From October 13 to 15, the Second World Chinese Studies Conference was held in Shanghai. During the conference, Observer Net had a dialogue with Mr. Charles Onunaiju, Director of the Nigeria China Research Center, to hear him introduce the real perception of China in Africa today, and how the biases in Chinese studies under the influence of "Western Centrism" have changed. The following is a revised text, with some content edited, not reviewed by the interviewee, for reference only.

[Edited by Observer Net, Guo Han]

Observer Net: Could you please talk about the current views of the Nigerian people towards China?

Onunaiju: Thank you. I can confidently say that China has become part of the daily lives of most Nigerians. Whether it's kitchenware, clothing on their bodies, or job opportunities around them, the presence of China can be seen everywhere. There are now more than 200 Chinese companies in Nigeria, providing employment for a large number of young people. It can be said that China has deeply integrated into the lives of Nigerians. At the same time, cultural exchanges between China and Nigeria are very active. Confucius Institutes, cultural centers, etc., have activities almost every week. Chinese elements have become part of Nigerian society.

Many people ask, "How did China reach this point?" We all know that China was not wealthy in the past, but now it has suddenly become a powerful and influential country. How did China achieve this? Many Nigerians are concerned about this question.

Observer Net: Please talk about the long-term impact of Western-centric Chinese studies on the African academic community. What do you think are the differences between Chinese studies and this approach?

Onunaiju: It can be said that such questions are common, not only in Nigeria, but throughout Africa, there is a perspective of studying China through a Western-centered lens, mostly observing China through Western media. They try to label China with various tags, such as "authoritarianism," "human rights issues," etc. These have become the "basic vocabulary" when Western countries study China.

However, more and more African scholars are now striving to move away from this Western-centered research approach, and instead adopt a more practical attitude to understand China, trying to understand China from its own perspective. Compared to the past, we are now "redefining" the Chinese studies in Africa. Now we are talking about models of modernization, broader Sino-African cooperation, such as political and economic cooperation, party exchanges, civil exchanges, the "Belt and Road" initiative, etc.—these topics are becoming increasingly common in discussions in Nigerian society, and media coverage is also increasing.

Street view in Lagos, the capital of Nigeria

Recently, President Xi Jinping proposed the "Global Governance Initiative," and Nigeria was one of the first countries in Africa to respond positively. Our government stated that this initiative is very consistent with our expectations for an inclusive global order and a more extensive mechanism of global governance. Nigeria was among the first countries to issue statements responding and expressing approval.

Therefore, I believe that the image of China defined by Western discourse in Africa is undergoing significant changes. Because the facts are becoming clearer, people see the influence of China in Africa and the actual changes it brings. More and more Africans are beginning to look at China with a more objective attitude. Of course, this requires continuous efforts. China is not yet "El Dorado," and Africans cannot say they have completely overcome old prejudices, after all, the influence of the West in our academic system is deeply rooted, and some people still look at China with such preconceptions.

But progress is evident. People are beginning to recognize the true nature of China. Scholars engaged in Chinese studies are working hard to develop new, practical research tools and concepts, proposing new analytical frameworks. We emphasize consensus and cooperative international cooperation rather than imposing conditions; we emphasize partnership rather than alliances. This is trying to redefine some basic concepts of international relations—letting the world understand that China is not "another Western" or a Western nation. China has its own historical traditions, and historically, it has had interactions with Africa.

This understanding is gradually resonating in Nigerian society. Nowadays, more and more Africans are showing interest in studying China, not through the Western lens, but hoping to understand China from the Chinese perspective. This interest is more sincere and can lead to more objective insights.

Observer Net: What is your advice on further promoting youth exchanges between China and Africa?

Onunaiju: Indeed, exchanges in this area have increased in recent years. Some Nigerian youths come to China to study Sinology or participate in exchange programs, and after returning, their views of China often completely change. What they saw with their own eyes is completely different from the traditional impression.

Of course, social media is also playing an important role. Now, young people can see our conversations in real time and learn about events happening on the other side of the globe. They are more curious and actively explore the reasons behind China's success, especially at the level of values—what values support China's modernization development and achieve great achievements in such a short time?

They gradually realize a key issue—that modernization does not mean Westernization. I think this is the most fundamental point. China is a living example proving that a country can achieve modernization without copying the Western model. China has completely broken a long-standing myth—that poverty is the destiny of certain regions or countries. China has shown the world that poverty can be eliminated.

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This is of great significance for Africa. If there is any disaster that continues to severely trouble Africa, it is poverty. The successful experience of China in eliminating absolute poverty has become an important reference for many African countries in formulating poverty reduction policies. China has become a leader in this regard, allowing African people to see that poverty can not only be alleviated but also eradicated. This not only leaves a deep impression on ordinary people, especially on the youth.

At the same time, China's soft power is also demonstrating unique value. It is not through Coca-Cola or pop music, but through a set of values, in ways that truly improve people's livelihoods, create opportunities, and bring about change, making people rethink the meaning of international cooperation.

The concept of mutual benefit and win-win development proposed by China is becoming increasingly popular in Nigerian society, media, and public discourse. People are beginning to believe that "cooperation" does not necessarily mean one wins and the other loses, a zero-sum game. In fact, both sides can benefit. This shift in perception is crucial for the entire continent of Africa.

Certainly, some prejudices still exist, but we have indeed seen significant progress in understanding China. For example, the China Research Center where I am located is doing its utmost to promote this cognitive shift. The global partnership advocated by China provides a historic opportunity for us to cooperate on the international stage in a more equal and pragmatic way. This relationship does not require ideological consistency, nor does it demand that anyone change anyone else. Each country can maintain its own characteristics while cooperating.

This concept is gradually entering the subconscious of African society, becoming part of the social structure. Although this is a gradual change, it is steadily progressing, with a bright future. We believe that over time, this mutual understanding and shared values will take root in Africa, becoming the lasting foundation of Sino-African relations.

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Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7562732086432367145/

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