Chinese language strengthens Nigeria-China ties — Envoy, FG

The growing significance of the Chinese language in Nigeria was underscored during the 2026 International Chinese Language Day celebration in Abuja. Mr. Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria (CCCIN), highlighted Mandarin as a crucial bridge for cultural understanding and a facilitator of robust bilateral ties between Nigeria and China. He emphasized that the language serves not only as a means of communication but as a repository of China's 5,000-year-old civilization, embodying historical memory and collective wisdom.

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Chinese is the genetic link that carries the torch of 5,000 years of Chinese civilisation. Every Chinese character is not only a symbol of communication but also a historical memory and a crystallisation of wisdom.

Jianxing noted the global reach of the Chinese language, mentioning its status as one of the six official languages of the United Nations and its adoption in over 190 countries, with more than 200 million international learners. He positioned Chinese as a 'bridge of harmony,' resonating with Nigerian values of coexistence and mutual respect. This perspective frames language learning as a pathway to deeper cultural appreciation and a cornerstone of international diplomacy and education, suggesting that understanding Chinese unlocks opportunities for global engagement.

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Chinese is one of the six official languages of the United Nations. To date, more than 190 countries and regions worldwide have implemented Chinese language teaching, with over 200 million international learners and users.

From a Nigerian perspective, the emphasis on learning Chinese is directly linked to the expanding economic and developmental cooperation between the two nations. The Chinese envoy suggested that proficiency in Mandarin offers a direct route to understanding China's burgeoning economy and participating more effectively in mutually beneficial partnerships across various sectors. This narrative aligns with Nigeria's strategic interests in leveraging international partnerships for national development. The event, which also featured a goodwill message from Dr. Mohammed Bulama, Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, reinforced the idea that language is fundamental to human connection, cultural preservation, and global unity. The celebration serves as a platform to promote not just linguistic skills but also a deeper appreciation of Chinese culture and its role in shaping global discourse and economic interactions, particularly relevant for Nigeria's engagement with a major global power.

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Learning Chinese is undoubtedly an important shortcut to fully understanding China and realising one’s dreams through participation in mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Nigeria in various fields.