The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has praised the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution, which, for the first time, declared the transatlantic slave trade the “gravest crime against humanity”.
Dunhai, in a statement issued on Thursday, hailed the resolution as a major step toward global historical justice and reparations for Africans and people of African descent.
The resolution was adopted on March 25, 2026, during the 80th session of the General Assembly, coinciding with the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
It received overwhelming support from member states, signalling a growing international consensus on addressing the enduring legacy of slavery.
Dunhai described the resolution as a historic milestone and a victory for justice.
“Justice may be delayed, but it will never be absent,” Dunhai said while extending warm congratulations to African nations and the wider developing world for their role in securing the adoption.
According to the envoy, the resolution aligns with the theme of the 38th African Union Summit, which focused on “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”
He noted that it underscores sustained efforts by African countries to push for reparatory justice on the global stage.
“With profound historical significance, it represents a powerful affirmation of historical justice, a firm defence of the common dignity of humanity, and a major victory for the international community in opposing the remnants of colonialism, resisting racial discrimination, and upholding fairness and justice,” Dunhai said.
China, he disclosed, was among 123 countries that voted in favour of the resolution, reiterating Beijing’s longstanding position on addressing historical injustices.
“China has always stood firmly on the right side of history, actively promoting the international community’s recognition of historical responsibilities and remedying historical injustices,” he stated.
The ambassador further stressed that the transatlantic slave trade remains one of the darkest chapters in human history, noting that tens of millions of Africans were subjected to trafficking, enslavement, and death.
He said the consequences of the system continue to impact Africa’s development and the rights of people of African descent globally.
“The UNGA Resolution fairly restores historical truth, effectively counters contemporary racial discrimination and structural injustice, and lays an important legal and moral foundation for advancing historical reparations, the return of looted cultural artefacts and trauma healing,” Dunhai added.
Highlighting China’s relationship with Africa, the envoy noted that 2026 marks 70 years of diplomatic ties between China and the continent.
He emphasised that China’s engagement with Africa has consistently been rooted in mutual respect, non-interference, and development cooperation.
“China-Africa cooperation is based on equality, aims at development, and focuses on people’s well-being. It responds to Africa’s urgent needs and helps enhance Africa’s capacity for independent development through tangible cooperation,” he said.
Citing the recent implementation of zero-tariff treatment for African countries with diplomatic relations with China as evidence of this commitment.
Speaking on bilateral relations, Yu noted that China and Nigeria share a common historical experience of colonial oppression and are committed to safeguarding sovereignty and development.
He added that both countries have strengthened ties in recent years, upgrading their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
“China is ready to work with Nigeria to further align our development strategies, transform cooperation outcomes into tangible benefits for our peoples, and inject strong momentum into Nigeria’s economic and social development,” he said.
The ambassador also used the opportunity to criticise what he described as rising hegemonism and unilateralism in global affairs. He warned against colonial mindsets and the law of the jungle, stressing that such approaches undermine international order and justice.
“History has long proven that power politics finds no popular support, unilateral bullying leads nowhere, and any attempt to gain benefits through oppression or seek hegemony through bullying will ultimately be discarded by the times,” he said.
Reaffirming China’s commitment to Africa, Yu concluded that Beijing would continue to support African nations in defending their dignity and advancing development.
“The adoption of this historic UNGA Resolution has added a significant chapter to the cause of global justice. China will, as always, stand side by side with Nigeria and all African countries.
“We will let the sunshine of equality, development and dignity illuminate the African continent, and make new and greater contributions to the prosperity and revitalisation of Africa as well as to a better future for all humanity,” Dunhai said.
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