China’s Cultural Diplomacy and the Power of Music in Nigeria
China has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing cultural diplomacy as a cornerstone of its foreign relations with Nigeria, using the power of music to strengthen mutual understanding and deepen people-to-people connections between the two nations. This renewed commitment was highlighted at the final of the “China-Africa Good Partners – 2025 Chinese-English Singing Competition” held at the Nigeria-China Cultural Center in Abuja.
The event, attended by diplomats, cultural officials, and art enthusiasts, celebrated the fusion of Chinese and Nigerian musical expressions as a symbol of enduring friendship. Delivering the keynote address, Counselor Yang Jianxing of the Chinese Embassy described cultural exchange as an essential vehicle for fostering trust and consolidating bilateral relations.
“Music transcends borders, and song is a bridge connecting hearts,” Yang stated. “Today’s competition is not merely a vocal contest but a dialogue between Chinese and African cultures, and a testament to friendship that transcends mountains and seas.”
He highlighted that over the past 54 years, China and Nigeria have nurtured a relationship built on equality, mutual respect, and shared development. “Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 54 years ago, China and Nigeria have remained good brothers who respect each other and treat each other as equals, and good partners who seek mutual benefit and win-win development,” he said.
Yang noted that cultural diplomacy has become a central pillar of China’s engagement with Africa, complementing economic and political cooperation. “Cultural exchange is a crucial link in promoting the steady and long-term development of bilateral relations,” he remarked. “This competition serves as a window into the harmonious interplay of our cultures and strengthens the belief that mutual appreciation can lead to lasting friendship.”
He further explained that the competition reflects the goals of the “People-to-People Exchange Partnership Action” proposed by President Xi Jinping during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024. “By allowing different languages to blend in melodies and different cultures to resonate through exchange,” Yang said, “we are reinforcing the foundation of public goodwill that underpins the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Addressing the participants, the Chinese diplomat lauded them as “ambassadors of cultural understanding” whose performances have strengthened the human bond between both nations. “Each and every one of you is a winner,” he told the contestants. “Your voices express love for life and friendship, allowing us to feel the joy of closer ties between our peoples.”
Also speaking at the event, Muhammed Sulaiman, President of the China Alumni Association of Nigeria, commended the initiative for its role in advancing China-Nigeria relations through soft diplomacy. “This is not just a competition—it is a profound way of cultural exchange,” Sulaiman said. “Over the years, China and Nigeria have built a smooth and enduring relationship, and events like this help to strengthen those bonds.”
He encouraged future editions of the event to incorporate performances in Nigerian indigenous languages alongside Chinese and English songs, describing such inclusion as an opportunity to enhance cultural understanding. “Perhaps one day, we will not only hear English and Chinese songs but also Nigerian languages,” he said. “That will tie us even closer together.”
Sulaiman further praised the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria for providing a platform that consistently promotes mutual respect and cooperation between both nations. “This initiative shows the strength and unity that cultural diplomacy can foster,” he added. “It must continue to grow.”
As the event drew to a close, applause filled the auditorium as Counselor Yang wished all contestants success and reaffirmed the resilience of China-Nigeria friendship. “May the friendship between China and Nigeria last forever,” he declared, drawing a standing ovation.
The 2025 Chinese-English Singing Competition, part of ongoing cultural initiatives supported by the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, is widely seen as a soft diplomacy effort aimed at deepening understanding between the peoples of both nations while showcasing the unifying power of art.