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Collusions between U.S., Taiwan doomed to fail

Published

4 years ago

April 13, 2023

By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily

Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen recently had a “transit” trip through the United States and met with U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other congressional members.

Such political provocation that engaged in official interaction and elevated the substantive relations between the U.S. and Taiwan seriously violated the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiqués. It seriously infringed upon China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, impacted the political foundation of China-U.S. relations, and undermined peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

During the so-called “transit” trip, Tsai attempted to package herself as a “peace lover” and a responsible party in cross-Strait relations, which was total self-deception.

There is but one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. The Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. These are indisputable facts grounded in history and law, and have been recognized by 182 countries around the world, including the U.S.

The special state of protracted political confrontation between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait has not imbued Taiwan with a status and rights in international law, nor can it change the legal status that Taiwan is a part of China’s territory.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities of Taiwan refuse to acknowledge the one-China principle and claim that Taiwan is a “democratic country” free from the jurisdiction of the People’s Republic of China. On the island, they press for “de-sinicization” and promote “incremental independence,” constantly stirring up troubles on the Taiwan question.

They have forgotten their heritage, betrayed their motherland, and put aside the security and development interests of the people in Taiwan. Their practices are completely against their rhetoric about upholding “peace” and being “responsible.”

During the so-called “transit” trip, Tsai flattered the trumped-up narrative of “democracy versus authoritarianism” foisted by the U.S. side and deliberately exaggerated the differences in the social system between Taiwan and the mainland. Such dangerous practice of seeking “Taiwan independence” in the name of “democracy” further revealed the despicable intention of the DPP authorities.

The differences in the social system are neither an obstacle to reunification nor a justification for secessionism. The DPP authorities are making excuses for “Taiwan independence” by distorting the relations between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait as the so-called confrontation between “democracy” and “authoritarianism.” This is what really threatens the people in Taiwan.

Taiwan’s future lies in the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and China’s reunification. The Chinese on the two sides of the Strait should work together to achieve reunification.

The DPP authorities, in pursuit of private political gains, are willing to be a “servant” of hegemony, which causes tensions in the Taiwan Strait. It has made more and more Taiwan compatriots realize that the collusion between the DPP authorities and the U.S. is a scourge to Taiwan.

The one-China principle is what underpins peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. It is consistent with the basic norms of international relations.

Under the banner of the so-called “transit” trip, Tsai conducted political activities in the U.S. and had high-profile contact with the number three in the U.S. government, just to fan up the “one China, one Taiwan” or “two Chinas” in the international community, and relying on the U.S. to seek “Taiwan independence.”

In disregard of China’s serious representations and repeated warnings, the U.S. broke the political promises it has made in the Joint Communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and China, deliberately greenlighted the transit of Tsai and allowed her to have contact with the number three in the U.S. government. This was to upgrade the substantive relations between Taiwan and the U.S., hollow out the one-China principle, and send an egregiously wrong signal to the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces.

The ultimate goal of Washington is to take Taiwan as a political pawn to contain China, trying to hinder China’s complete reunification and stop the country from achieving the great revitalization of the Chinese nation. This dirty plot is no longer a secret and will never succeed.

In an attempt to mislead the public, some U.S. politicians chicaned that Tsai’s meeting with McCarthy was a compromise and that the U.S. has exercised restraint on Tsai’s “transit” trip, saying the Chinese side should not overreact. Such sheer misrepresentation of facts further revealed the hypocrisy of the U.S.

Washington explicitly recognizes that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government of China in the Joint Communiqué. The leader of the incumbent U.S. administration has repeatedly made promises that the U.S. would not support “Taiwan independence,” “two Chinas,” or “one China, one Taiwan.”

However, the U.S. side betrayed its promises, engaged in official interaction and elevated the substantive relations between the U.S. and Taiwan, blatantly allowing Tsai to sell “Taiwan independence” claims on the U.S., and permitting high-ranking U.S. officials to support “Taiwan independence” activities launched by DPP authorities.

The U.S. is talking about “restraint” but keeping provocative actions. This fully exposes its hegemonic, domineering and bullying nature.

Tsai’s “transit” trip through the U.S. once again told the world that the tensions in the Taiwan Strait stem from the DPP authorities clinging to the U.S. to seek “independence,” and from U.S. efforts to contain China with the Taiwan question. The collusion between the U.S. and Taiwan is the real threat to the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

The Chinese government and people will strike hard at the separatist forces seeking “Taiwan independence” and firmly oppose the collusion between the U.S. and Taiwan. It is a justifiable move to defend the national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to maintain the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait and the world at large.

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Kwara celebrates Fela’s legacy with retrospective exhibition

Published

1 day ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Government has celebrated the life and enduring influence of Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with a retrospective exhibition aimed at preserving African cultural heritage and inspiring younger generations.

The exhibition, titled Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: A Retrospective, was opened by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Institute of Contemporary African Art and Film in Ilorin on Monday.

The Governor said the establishment of the institute reflected his administration’s belief that development should extend beyond physical infrastructure to include spaces that promote creativity, knowledge and economic opportunities.

“When we established the Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, our vision was clear: development must go beyond roads, bridges and buildings to create spaces for creativity, knowledge and opportunity,” AbdulRazaq said.

According to him, cultural infrastructure plays an important role in connecting people to their history, broadening their imagination and encouraging critical thinking.

“Physical infrastructure connects places; cultural infrastructure connects people to their history, expands their imagination and challenges their thinking,” the Governor said.

AbdulRazaq said the institute was established to preserve African stories, nurture talents and showcase the continent’s artists and thinkers to the world,
describing the decision to open the institution with an exhibition dedicated to Fela as significant, given the musician’s contribution to African music, social commentary and cultural expression.

“Fela was more than a musician. Through his music and artistic expression, he challenged conventions and confronted society with questions about power, freedom, identity and justice,” he added.

The Governor added that the late musician’s life demonstrated the capacity of artistic expression to influence public discourse and inspire social change.

The exhibition, curated by June Creative Art Advisory, led by its founder, Mrs Seun Alli, featured photography, archival materials, film, graphic works and other artistic expressions exploring Fela’s life, times and enduring influence.

AbdulRazaq commended the firm for bringing its curatorial expertise and creative vision to the project, while describing the exhibition as an opportunity for different categories of visitors to engage with the musician’s legacy.

He said the exhibition would provide students with learning opportunities beyond the classroom, inspire artists, support researchers and encourage young people to explore the creative industry.

“For students, this is a classroom beyond the classroom; for artists, inspiration; for researchers, an opportunity for deeper inquiry; and for young people, a reminder that creativity offers both self-expression and economic opportunity,” he said.

The Governor clarified that the state government was not claiming ownership of Fela’s story but was providing a platform for younger generations to encounter and learn from his legacy, adding that the state government is optimistic that the institute would promote cultural education, encourage creative enterprise, attract visitors and strengthen Kwara State’s position in Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape.

According to him, the institution’s success would be measured by the talents it nurtured, the ideas it inspired and the opportunities it created.

“Governments change, but institutions should endure,” the Governor said, expressing the hope that the exhibition would mark the beginning of sustained cultural engagement at the institute.

“May this exhibition begin sustained cultural engagement at ICAAF and inspire our young people to create, question, discover and contribute to society,” he said.

AbdulRazaq added that the initiative reflected his administration’s commitment to building a state where cultural heritage, innovation and economic opportunities complemented one another.

In her address, the Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, said: “Today’s exhibition offers us an opportunity to revisit the life and works of Fela
Anikulapo-Kuti and appreciate how his music, ideas and artistic expression continue to influence generations.

“For the Ministry of Communications, this occasion speaks to an important part of our
mandate: promoting the stories, talents and creative expressions that shape our identity as a people.”

The Commissioner particularly noted that under Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership, the State is creating opportunities for young people through investments in sectors such as film, fashion and technology.

She added: “Projects including
the Sugar Film Factory, the Garment Factory and the Ilorin Innovation Hub reflect the administration’s commitment to developing talent and supporting enterprise.

“The Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, formerly the Ilorin Visual Arts Centre, adds an important dimension to this effort. It provides a platform for artistic expression, cultural learning and creative collaboration.

“We want young Kwarans who are passionate about painting, photography, filmmaking, fashion and design to see ICAAF as a place where they can explore their interests, learn from others and showcase their talents.

“We also encourage students to engage with art and history beyond the classroom. Fela’s story is a fitting subject for this exhibition. It demonstrates how creativity
can go beyond entertainment to shape cultural identity and influence public conversations. There is much for our young people to learn from his artistic journey and enduring impact.

“It might also interest you that kwara state was also part of Fela’s creative showcase during his lifetime.”

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2027: Ilorin West LG Boss Leads APC Mega Rally In Ubandawaki

Published

1 day ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

•••Says Ward stands with APC

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Executive Chairman of the Ilorin West Local Government, Mallam Shehu AbdulRahman Babatunde Ladan, has led an All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Ubandawaki Ward, reaffirming the commitment of party members and supporters to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The rally attracted party leaders, grassroots mobilisers, youths, women, and other stakeholders who gathered to demonstrate their support for the party.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Ladan declared that Ubandawaki Ward remains committed to the APC and its political leadership, expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the APC governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu (SYD), alongside other party candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The Chairman emphasised the importance of unity, peaceful political engagement, and sustained grassroots mobilisation in strengthening the party’s structure ahead of the forthcoming elections, urging party faithful to remain united, engage constructively with residents, and work collectively towards the party’s political objectives.

Ladan also acknowledged the importance of Ubandawaki Ward in the political landscape of Ilorin West, encouraging party leaders and supporters to maintain cordial relationships, promote inclusive participation, and sustain engagement with the electorate. He stressed that a united party structure would help strengthen internal cooperation and effective grassroots coordination.

The mega rally renewed calls for unity, loyalty, and peaceful political participation among APC members and supporters, underscoring commitment by participants to mobilising support for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, while promoting peace, development, and responsible democratic engagement across Ilorin West Local Government Area.

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KW-IRS Staff Threaten Strike Over Alleged Poor Remuneration

Published

6 days ago

October 21, 2026

Our Reporter

Mgt Accuses Union Of Dishing Out False Staff Remuneration Scale

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The staff of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) have lamented poor welfare conditions, rising living costs and stagnant salaries they have been subjected to, despite their contributions to the state’s revenue generation.

In a statement issued by the KWIRS chapter of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), the workers lamented that their sacrifice and professionalism, which have helped to place Kwara State among the more self-reliant states in the country, have not been matched with corresponding improvement in their welfare.

The workers questioned the disparity between their contributions to the state’s revenue and their welfare, saying many of them are battling financial hardship.

“We block leakages. We are posted to hospitals and other MDAs to secure government revenue. We work under pressure day and night but we continue to struggle to meet basic needs due to poor salaries.”

The association further expressed concern that personnel costs had remained unchanged for years while other expenditure heads had continued to increase.

It also cited a salary negotiation agreement dated October 11, 2022, which reportedly stated that the adjustment would be implemented “as soon as it can be accommodated in the budget.”

According to the workers, nearly four years after the agreement, there had been no implementation or clear indication of when the adjustment would take effect, despite the rising cost of living.

The staff said expenses on school fees, house rent, transportation and food had increased significantly while their salaries remained unchanged. “We smile outside but the majority of us are bleeding inside. We cannot continue to generate wealth for the state while we wallow in abject poverty,” they declared.

Urging their colleagues to remain united and resolute in pursuing improved welfare, the association said the workers should not expect better conditions without collectively standing up for their interests.

It called on members to remain calm, vigilant and prayerful as a 14-day period beginning October 15, 2026, counts down, without specifying further details in the statement about the expected action at its conclusion.

Reacting to the KW-IRS staff allegations, the Management, while
reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, political neutrality and its statutory mandate, expressed dismay over public speculation on staff remuneration and attempts to politicise unverified internal administrative communications.

“Management is concerned by attempts to exploit unverified internal administrative communications for political purposes, create unnecessary tension and distract the Service from its responsibilities. KWIRS will not be distracted from its mandate by such narratives,” said the Management.

It added: “The isolated salary figures being circulated on social media do not represent the full remuneration structure or total emoluments of KWIRS staff. Staff compensation extends beyond regular monthly salaries and includes the following benefits, in accordance with applicable policies and approved arrangements:

“Annual and Performance-Related Bonuses: Annual, festive, and situational bonuses linked to revenue performance milestones and staff performance and situational economic palliatives are paid periodically to staff members

“Annual Leave Allowance: A separate annual payment in addition to regular monthly remuneration.
Staff Welfare and Operational Support: Structured measures designed to support staff welfare and professional development throughout their careers.

“Accordingly, assessing staff remuneration solely on selectively circulated salary figures presents an incomplete picture of the Service’s compensation and welfare structure.

“Management remains committed to staff welfare, motivation and professional development. The Service will continue to strengthen policies and operational processes that support staff well-being and performance, within government-approved resource allocations and applicable administrative frameworks. The Service remains one of the Government Institutions with the most recruitment requests and this is a testament of Management’s commitment to staff welfare.

“KWIRS urges members of the public, taxpayers and other stakeholders to disregard unverified and misleading narratives, verify information before sharing it, and rely on official Service communications for accurate information about its operations and staff policies.

“All stakeholders are encouraged to refrain from politicising internal administrative matters or spreading claims capable of undermining institutional harmony and public confidence.

“KWIRS remains focused on its statutory responsibilities and committed to mobilising revenue for the economic growth and sustainable development of Kwara State.”