Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, says he is keen on strengthening ties with Taraba State and boosting the value of tea from the Mambila Plateau.
According to him, adding value to various Nigerian products is key to diversifying the nation’s economy.
He pointed out that during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to China in 2024, an agreement was signed to increase Nigeria’s agricultural exports to China.
These remarks came during the “2025 Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon” in Abuja, an event with the theme “Tea in Nature’s Whisper: Aroma of Picturesque Jiangnan.”
The ambassador emphasized how tea culture fosters friendship and cooperation between China and Nigeria, symbolizing their warm relationship.
He noted that China’s 5,000-year-old tea culture, rich in philosophical wisdom, deeply resonates with Nigeria’s cultural values of unity, creating a spiritual link between the two countries.
Dunhai noted the burgeoning tea trade between China and Nigeria, highlighted by the successful launch of Hainan Baisha Tea in the Nigerian market in 2024, which marked a significant milestone in their tea industry collaboration.
He expressed readiness in expanding cooperation between the two countries in areas such as culture, tourism, education, and beyond.
He said: “Last year, our leaders convened in Beijing during the FOCAC Summit and agreed to upgrade our bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, thereby opening a new chapter in our bilateral relationship.
“We are presently implementing the “Ten Partnership Actions for Modernisation to Deepen China-Africa Cooperation (2025-2027)” with 53 African countries, including Nigeria, where cultural exchange is a vital component. The year 2026 has been designated as the ‘China-Africa Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges’.
“Cultural exchanges have a significant historical mission to promote mutual learning between civilisations and foster people-to-people bonds. As President Xi Jinping noted, civilisations become richer and more vibrant through exchanges and mutual learning.
“We are pleased to witness the growing cooperation between our two countries in areas such as culture, tourism, education, and many other fields. From the historical echoes of the ‘Ancient Tea Road’ to the future vision of the ‘Digital Silk Road’, culture remains the spiritual bond that connects the people of China and Nigeria.”
In his speech, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Dr. Muktar Mohammed, said Nigeria and China share a bond that transcends trade and diplomacy – a bond woven through mutual respect for heritage, artistry, and the transformative power of culture.
Mohammed commended the China Cultural Centre for its consistent efforts in organising programmes that celebrate the two countries’ shared humanity, saying that cultural exchange can deepen understanding and inspire collaboration.
He said: “These initiatives align with our ministry’s mandate to promote creative economy growth through intercultural dialogue. As we savour the delicate aroma of Jiangnan’s finest teas today, let us also envision a future where Nigeria and China co-create opportunities in the creative sector.
“The Honourable Minister’s administration is dedicated to supporting initiatives that infuse traditional practices with modern innovation, such as Nigerian tea-infused art and fashion; establishing cultural hubs that foster skills exchange in agro-artistry and beverage craftsmanship; and strengthening bilateral partnerships that elevate Nigeria’s creative economy on the global stage.
“Just as tea leaves soaked in hot water reveal their full essence, so too do our cultures blossom when steeped in mutual respect and collaboration. May today’s gathering remind us that in every sip of tea lies a story—a story of nature’s wisdom, human connection, and the endless possibilities that arise when we embrace harmony.”
In his brief remarks, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Culture and Creative Economy, Rep. Gabriel Saleh Zock, said that the event had highlighted the need for Nigeria to improve in promoting its culture, promising that parliament would introduce policies to promote Nigerian culture globally.
The lawmaker described the Nigeria-China relationship as a win-win situation, noting that the Chinese people are not just friends to Nigeria but brothers.
He acknowledged China’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s developmental growth, including building railways and roads and improving the economy.
Noting the prevalence of Chinese products in Nigerian homes, he emphasized the strong impact and good relationship between the two countries.
Zock expressed personal gratitude to the Ambassador for supporting Nigerian businesses and youths, particularly appreciating the visa process, which, unlike other countries, rarely faced complaints in parliament regarding genuine visa applications.
The event featured elegant Yue Opera performances, pipa music, Chinese calligraphy and painting displays, interactive sessions, and a photographic exhibition showcasing the culture and tourism of Zhejiang Province.
Persecondnews reports that among attendees at the event were Mrs Huang Yun, Leader of the Zhejiang Delegation, Researcher-Librarian of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Centre, and Deputy Director of the Performing Arts Department; Dr Raphael Oraeluno, Chief of Staff, Office of the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy; Ms Olubunmi Olowookere, Permanent Secretary, FCT Social Development Secretariat; and Mrs Omolara Mary Oludoun, representative of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education.
Others were Mrs Friya K Bulus, Director of Women’s Development, Ministry of Women Affairs; Dr Muhammed Sani Ladan, Director of the FCT Secondary Education Board; Mr Obi Asika, Director-General of the National Council of Arts and Culture; and Mr Sulaiman, National Chairman of Nigerian Artists.
Ambassadors in attendance included H.E. Mehmet Poroy, Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, and his wife; H.E. Carlos Jose Areias Moreno Garcete, Ambassador of Brazil to Nigeria; H.E. Suzuki Hideo, Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria; H.E. Moisen Antit, Tunisian Ambassador to Nigeria; Dr Julius F Sandy, High Commissioner of Sierra Leone to Nigeria; and H.E. Siamak Rouhani, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria.
The event welcomed representatives from a diverse range of diplomatic missions, including Russia, Palestine, Iraq, Syria, and others based in Nigeria.
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