Experts in international relations from Nigeria and China have endorsed Contemporary World Nigeria Magazine as a valuable platform to strengthen bilateral ties between both countries.
This endorsement was made on Tuesday during a seminar on advancing knowledge exchange and building strategies for the promotion and dissemination of the magazine, held in Abuja.
The event was a collaboration between Contemporary World China and Nigeria’s Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), co-publishers of the magazine.
Director General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, described the magazine as a forum for sharing insights on Nigeria-China relations, China-Africa engagement, and broader continental development issues. He said the magazine is being scaled up to facilitate knowledge sharing, dissemination, and production, particularly in areas such as innovation and inclusion.
He emphasized the publication’s role in advancing infrastructure development and economic growth in Nigeria and Africa, aligning with the development agenda of President Bola Tinubu and his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping.
According to Ochogwu, the magazine serves as both “a mirror and a bridge” in Nigeria-China cooperation—reflecting the global landscape from African perspectives, while connecting diverse peoples and political cultures through dialogue, understanding, and shared goals.
He noted that the magazine’s promotion aligns with the recent elevation of Nigeria-China relations from a Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, announced during President Tinubu’s state visit to Beijing in September 2024.
Since its Nigerian launch in 2022, the magazine has played a significant role in promoting academic, political, and cultural exchange between Africa and China.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, represented by Counselor Wang Jun, said the magazine embodies deepening academic and cultural exchanges between both nations. He stressed its potential to enhance cultural understanding, stimulate intellectual engagement, and boost bilateral development.
He advocated for the magazine to become a national social science core journal, combining authority and insight, and offering in-depth analysis of international relations. He said it should also disseminate vital information on global politics, economics, society, military, and culture.
Guest speaker Mr. Charles Onunaiju said the publication provides a robust platform to reinforce China-Africa ties for mutual benefit. He urged Africans and Nigerians to leverage it as a tool for expanding their understanding of China’s developmental model, strategic thinking, and intellectual progress.
