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Chinese Envoy Calls for Commitment to UN Principles, Warns Against Unilateralism

Abuja, Nigeria – The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has urged the international community to remain steadfast in its commitment to the principles of the United Nations, warning against the dangers of unilateralism, historical revisionism, and rising global instability.

Yu made the call in Abuja during the screening of Dead to Rights, a film dramatizing the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, as part of events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Remembering a Dark Chapter

The Ambassador described the Nanjing Massacre—where Japanese forces brutally killed more than 300,000 civilians and soldiers—as “one of the darkest chapters in modern world history.”

“During the 14 years of resistance, over 35 million Chinese people lost their lives or were injured. China made historic contributions to the victory of the world anti-fascist war and to restoring world peace and order,” he said.

Yu noted that the anniversary was not only about mourning the dead but also about reinforcing commitments to peace and multilateralism.

“The best way to honour their sacrifice is to cherish peace, protect peace, and strengthen international cooperation,” he stressed.

A Warning Against Revisionism

Recounting Japan’s invasion of China in 1931 and the atrocities of December 1937, Yu emphasized that the world must remain vigilant against the resurgence of fascist tendencies.

“This remains a profound, enduring sorrow in the hearts of the Chinese people. The film we are about to watch offers a unique perspective for reflecting on this period and reminds us of a history we must never forget,” he said.

He added that China’s resistance during World War II, despite massive losses—including direct economic costs exceeding $600 billion—crippled Japan’s imperial ambitions and contributed to restoring global order.

Upholding the UN Charter

At what he described as a “critical juncture” in global politics, Yu urged nations to safeguard the international system anchored on the United Nations and the UN Charter.

“Let history be our guide. Let us preserve, with unwavering resolve, the hard-won outcomes of World War II. Together, let us strive to steer the global order toward a future defined by fairness, justice, and equality for all,” the envoy declared.

Nigeria–China Ties

Yu also highlighted Nigeria’s role in advancing this vision, noting that as two leading nations of the Global South, both countries share commitments to fairness, justice, and sustainable development.

He called for deeper cooperation under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, through stronger political dialogue, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties.

Cinema as Historical Memory

On the significance of screening Dead to Rights, Yu said:

“Cinema has the power to tell history in ways textbooks cannot. By watching, reflecting, and remembering, we reaffirm our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to build a more peaceful world.”

The event brought together diplomats, academics, and cultural stakeholders, who joined in reflecting on the lessons of history and the collective responsibility to resist forces that threaten global peace.

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna