TheCable

Taiwan has described as “unreasonable”, the request of the Nigerian government that it should relocate its representative office from Abuja to Lagos.

The federal government gave the directive on Wednesday.

Blaming China for the development, Taiwan called on Nigeria to consider the issue, as both sides had an understanding based on reciprocity under which Nigeria runs a trade office in Taiwan’s capital, Taipei.

Geoffrey Onyeama, minister of foreign affairs, had said Nigeria recognised ‘One China’, which means Taiwan is a part of the People’s Republic of China.

But Taiwan appealed to Nigeria to give “room for discussion”.

“The foreign ministry urges Nigeria to leave room for discussion,” it said in a statement.

“The foreign ministry seriously objects and condemns the unreasonable actions by the Nigerian government.”

China regards Taiwan as a renegade province, ineligible for state-to-state relations, and to be taken back by force if necessary, especially if it makes moves towards Independence.

Lu Kang, spokesman of the Chinese foreign ministry, has commended Nigeria for supporting the ‘One China’ principle.

“China affirms and greatly appreciates Nigeria’s support for the ‘one China’ principle,” he said at a news briefing in Beijing, capital of China.