Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges through traditional Chinese martial arts, Wushu, as a platform for promoting mutual understanding and friendship.
The commitment was reiterated on Tuesday during the Wushu Premium Exhibition held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr. Yang Jianxing, described cultural exchange as an important bridge for fostering mutual learning among civilizations and bringing people closer together.
Jianxing said Wushu is a significant symbol of Chinese civilization that goes beyond sports and serves as a cultural language reflecting values such as respect, virtue, harmony and peaceful coexistence.
“As an important symbol of China’s outstanding traditional culture, Wushu is not merely a sport; it is a cultural language and a spiritual heritage. It embodies the Chinese nation’s enduring spirit of self-improvement and reflects values such as respect, virtue, harmony, and peaceful coexistence,” he said.
He explained that the philosophy behind Chinese martial arts is rooted in peace rather than conflict, noting that Wushu promotes moral development, self-discipline and personal growth.
“The true spirit of martial arts lies not only in physical skills, but also in moral cultivation and personal growth,” he added.
The exhibition featured live demonstrations and interactive sessions conducted by Professor Wu Dong and his team from Beijing Sport University. Participants were given the opportunity to experience Chinese martial arts firsthand and gain deeper insights into Chinese culture and traditions.
Jianxing reaffirmed the commitment of the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in areas such as language education, arts, tourism, youth exchanges and sports.
“Together, we will strengthen mutual learning between our civilizations and contribute to building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era,” he stated.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of Programmes at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Mr. Abiodun Ogidan, commended the Chinese Embassy for promoting intercultural dialogue through media partnerships.
Ogidan highlighted the impact of the weekly Ni Hao programme, which teaches Mandarin language and showcases Chinese culture, tourism and innovation across FRCN’s network of more than 47 stations nationwide.
“This partnership has provided an invaluable platform for showcasing China’s culture and achievements to Nigerians while fostering greater understanding and appreciation of the enduring friendship between the two countries,” he said.
The National Sports Commission also reaffirmed its commitment to using sports and cultural diplomacy as tools for youth development, international cooperation and national progress.
Representing the Director-General of the commission, Mr. Shehu Dikko, the Special Adviser (Legal) and former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Musa Ahmadu, said sports remain a powerful instrument for strengthening relations among nations.
According to him, sports have a unique ability to transcend borders, bridge differences and unite people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
“Sports speaks a powerful language. It crosses borders, bridges differences, and brings people together in a way that formal diplomacy sometimes cannot.
“Through sports, nations build friendship, and through sports, cultures are accepted, understood, and respected,” Ahmadu said.
Stakeholders at the exhibition agreed that initiatives such as the Wushu exchange programme continue to play a vital role in strengthening Nigeria-China relations while promoting cultural understanding, youth engagement and international cooperation.
