President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to engage in high-level bilateral discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the forthcoming Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, which will take place from September 4 to 6, 2024.
Tinubu, the current chairman of ECOWAS, will be representing West Africa at the summit.
President Tinubu Will Meet In Beijing With President Xi Jinping Of China
During the summit, President Tinubu is anticipated to discuss crucial matters pertaining to regional peace and security, as relayed by presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale during a briefing for State House correspondents on Tuesday. Additionally, Ngelale emphasized the expectation that the visit will result in substantial economic advantages for Nigeria.
The meeting between Tinubu and President Xi comes at a time of heightened tension due to the recent seizures of Nigerian assets by the Chinese firm Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited. The seizures, which have sparked diplomatic concerns, include the controversial ruling by a French court that allowed the firm to seize three Nigerian presidential jets as part of an ongoing legal dispute.
In order to resolve the conflict between the Nigerian government and the Chinese company, former Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Usman Sarki, recommends diplomatic engagement as the most effective approach. He underscores the significance of President Tinubu personally addressing this matter with his Chinese counterpart during their meeting.
The ongoing disagreement, stemming from a protracted arbitration case involving the Ogun State government, has intensified following the recent court ruling in Paris. This development raises significant concerns regarding the potential repercussions for Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic ties with China.
