China

By Sabiu Abdullahi

China, Iran, and Russia have formalized a wide-ranging strategic agreement, a development experts say could shift global power balances and heighten tensions with the United States.

The pact was announced simultaneously in Tehran, Beijing, and Moscow. Officials from the three countries described it as “a cornerstone for a new multipolar order.”

While the full text is being gradually released, authorities confirmed that the agreement covers collaboration in energy, trade, military coordination, and diplomatic strategy.

Iranian state media cited officials saying the pact reflects a joint commitment to “mutual respect, sovereign independence and a rules-based international system that rejects unilateral coercion.” Beijing and Moscow issued similar statements, highlighting their shared opposition to Western dominance.

This trilateral agreement builds on years of close bilateral ties. In January 2025, Iran and Russia signed a 20-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty to strengthen economic and defense cooperation and counter Western sanctions. That treaty became effective last year.

Iran and China had also signed a 25-year cooperation deal in 2021, aimed at expanding trade, infrastructure, and energy cooperation.

What sets this new pact apart is that it explicitly unites all three countries under a coordinated framework. Unlike previous bilateral agreements, the pact aligns them on issues such as nuclear sovereignty, economic resilience, and military coordination.

No Formal Defence Commitment

Officials emphasized that the agreement is not a mutual defense treaty like NATO’s Article 5, which obligates members to defend one another militarily.

Past agreements between Iran and Russia did not include such guarantees, and this pact follows the same cautious approach. Analysts say it signals a political and strategic alignment intended to counterbalance US influence, resist sanctions, reduce dependence on Western financial systems, and expand regional influence.

The signing comes as tensions rise between Iran and the United States. Washington has accused Tehran of enriching uranium beyond the limits of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The Trump administration withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 and reimposed sanctions that have severely impacted Iran’s economy.

Attempts to revive the deal have repeatedly stalled. Talks in Oman and Rome in 2025 ended without an agreement, deepening mistrust. US military deployments in the Gulf, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, have also raised fears of escalation.

Inside Iran, protests that began in December 2025 over economic hardship have added domestic pressure. Iranian authorities accused foreign actors of fueling unrest, citing statements by US President Donald Trump in support of demonstrators as interference in domestic affairs.

Strategic Implications

For Tehran, the pact offers economic relief and strengthens deterrence against military threats by deepening ties with Russia and China.

For Moscow and Beijing, the agreement provides access to Iran’s energy resources and strengthens their capacity to challenge US alliances in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific. Both countries have expanded military cooperation with Iran, including joint naval exercises in the Gulf.

For the United States and its allies, the pact complicates efforts to isolate Iran. Gulf states, wary of Tehran’s ambitions, fear the agreement could embolden Iran and destabilize the region further.

Experts caution, however, that the pact has limits. Russia and China remain cautious about overcommitting, mindful of possible US retaliation. Iran’s ongoing economic challenges and domestic unrest could also hinder its ability to meet obligations. Without a formal defense guarantee, Tehran remains vulnerable to confrontation with the US or Israel.

Much will depend on whether Moscow and Beijing risk deeper involvement in Iran’s disputes with the West. For now, the agreement strengthens Tehran’s diplomatic position, even as tensions with Washington persist.

US President Donald J. Trump has renewed his long-standing claim that he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize, arguing that his actions strengthened NATO and prevented wider war in Europe.

In a social media post, Trump said Norway—a NATO member and host country of the Nobel Peace Prize committee—“foolishly” failed to award him the prize, despite what he described as ending multiple wars and forcing NATO allies to increase defence spending. He claimed his leadership deterred Russia and elevated U.S. global standing.

Trump concluded by asserting that NATO depends primarily on American military strength, crediting his presidency for rebuilding U.S. power and saving millions of lives.

By Uzair Adam

The Republic of China has declared firm support for the Nigerian government as it “leads its people on the development path suited to its national conditions.”

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday in Beijing, Spokesperson of China’s Foreign Ministry, Mao Ning, said that “as Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs or threatening them with sanctions and force.”

Ning made the remarks while responding to a question on US President Donald Trump’s threat of military action in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.

She also reacted to reports that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is seeking military equipment from China, Russia, and Iran to prepare for possible US attacks.

“China has a clear-cut stance on the US cracking down on so-called ‘drug cartels’ by force in the Caribbean Sea,” Mao said, stressing that China supports combating cross-border crimes through stronger international cooperation, not through threats or use of force.

She stated that, “We stand against moves that undermine peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean region, and oppose unilateral and excessive enforcement operations against other countries’ vessels.”

“We hope the US will engage in normal law enforcement and judicial cooperation through bilateral and multilateral legal frameworks,” she added.

On Saturday, Trump ordered the US Department of War to prepare for “possible action” in Nigeria, warning the Nigerian government to act swiftly to end what he described as the “killing of Christians.”

He labelled Nigeria a “disgraced country,” threatening to halt US aid and possibly take military action to “wipe out the Islamic terrorists” allegedly responsible for the violence.

Responding, President Bola Tinubu dismissed the claims, insisting that Nigeria remains committed to religious freedom.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality. Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so.”

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Influencers in China will now need to hold a university degree or relevant professional qualifications before discussing serious topics such as medicine, law, education, or finance online, according to new regulations aimed at curbing misinformation.

The policy, announced by Chinese authorities this week, requires prominent online personalities — particularly those with over one million followers — to provide proof of their expertise. Those who fail to comply risk fines of up to ¥100,000 (about $14,000).

Officials say the move is designed to tackle the growing problem of false information and deceptive advertising, especially in areas such as fake medical treatments and supplements that have proliferated on social media.

While supporters argue the measure will help protect the public from misleading content, critics warn it could tighten state control over online speech and limit discussions on critical social issues.

The new rules mark another step in China’s ongoing campaign to regulate its vast and influential online ecosystem, emphasising “professional responsibility” and “accuracy” in digital communication.

By Muhammad Abubakar 

China has taken a significant step in preparing its next generation for the digital future by introducing artificial intelligence (AI) education across primary and secondary schools. 

The Ministry of Education has announced that AI will now be included in the national curriculum, with lessons ranging from basic coding and machine learning concepts to discussions on the ethical implications of technology.

Officials say the program aims to build students’ digital literacy and give them early exposure to skills critical in the 21st-century economy. 

Pilot projects in cities such as Shanghai and Shenzhen have already shown strong interest, with students using AI-powered tools in mathematics, language learning, and creative projects.

Educators emphasise that the initiative is not only about technical training but also about fostering innovation, problem-solving, and responsible use of emerging technologies. “We want our children to understand AI as both a tool and a responsibility,” said an education ministry spokesperson.

The move reflects China’s broader ambition to lead in AI development globally, while also addressing concerns that young people must be equipped to navigate a rapidly changing technological landscape.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, alongside his wife, Haj. Dr. Aisha Bala Mohammed (Kauran Bauchi), yesterday hosted a farewell reception for 50 indigenous students awarded full scholarships to pursue various academic programmes in China.

The students, who are scheduled to depart Nigeria soon, visited the Governor to express their profound gratitude for the sponsorship opportunity and to seek his blessings before their journey.

Governor Mohammed warmly congratulated the scholars and charged them to be law-abiding ambassadors throughout their stay.

He urged them to remain focused on their primary academic objectives, reminding them that they represent not only their parents but also the entire Bauchi State and Nigeria as a whole.

In her remarks, the First Lady, Haj. Dr. Aisha Bala Mohammed, assured the students that the Governor and the State Government are immensely proud to sponsor their education.

She encouraged them to be studious and dedicated, stating that their success would be a source of pride for the state and a justification of the government’s investment in their future.

The scholarship scheme is a key initiative of the Bauchi State Government aimed at building human capital by providing world-class education to its indigenes.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

In a moment of pride for the Nigeria Police Force and the nation at large, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun on Tuesday received Sergeant Peter Theophilus Tanko at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, in recognition of his outstanding academic achievement in China.

Sergeant Tanko, who is attached to the INTERPOL Section of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), recently completed a five-year law degree in the People’s Republic of China, emerging as the best graduating student at Jiangsu Police Institute. His journey began with a year-long Chinese language course at Nanjing Normal University.

As a result of his academic excellence, Tanko was selected to deliver the valedictory speech for all international students at the convocation ceremony held in June 2023.

The IGP commended Tanko’s dedication and discipline, describing his success as a testament to the potential within the Force. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting officers in the pursuit of education and professional development.

Egbetokun also urged police personnel across the country to emulate Sergeant Tanko’s example by embracing self-development, adding that intellectual growth is key to the Force’s overall success.

By Anas Abbas

In a strategic move to bolster its position in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, China is set to launch dedicated AI courses in primary and secondary schools.

The initiative, announced by the Beijing Municipal Education Commission, will commence in the upcoming fall semester, starting September 1.

According to the announcement, schools in Beijing will offer a minimum of eight hours of AI instruction periodically.

These classes can be conducted as independent courses or integrated into existing subjects such as information technology and science.

The directive emphasizes the need for schools to develop comprehensive foundational courses that align with national curriculum standards while focusing on artificial intelligence education.

It encourages the exploration of localized AI curricula tailored for primary and secondary education. The document, outlines plans to create teaching guidelines and student learning materials that cater to the cognitive development of students at various educational stages.

It also highlights the importance of developing diverse and regularly updated resources to incorporate the latest advancements in technology and methodologies.

This educational initiative comes amid a growing rivalry between China and the United States in the AI domain, particularly following the release of DeepSeek’s new model, which competes directly with American counterparts.

Additionally, China’s government has committed to promoting the widespread application of large-scale AI models and advancing next-generation intelligent devices and manufacturing technologies.

Huai Jinpeng, China’s Minister of Education, has indicated that a comprehensive white paper on AI education is expected to be published by 2025.

By Maryam Ahmad

The Italian government has blocked the Chinese AI app DeepSeek due to concerns about data privacy. Garante, the country’s data protection authority, stated that the app failed to provide sufficient details on how it collects and stores user data, raising security risks.

As a result, DeepSeek has been removed from app stores in Italy but remains available in other countries. This move highlights growing global concerns about AI applications and data protection.

With AI adoption increasing in Nigeria, this development raises questions about how such apps handle user data and the need for stronger regulations to protect personal information.

By Uzair Adam 

The China Development Bank (CDB) has approved a €245 million ($254.76 million) loan to fund the Kano-Kaduna railway project in Nigeria.  

In a statement released on its official website on Tuesday, the bank confirmed that the financial package is intended to ensure the smooth continuation of the railway’s construction. 

The statement read, “China Development Bank has recently granted a loan of €245 million ($254.76 million) to the Kano-Kaduna railway project in Nigeria, providing financial support for the smooth progress of the project.”  

The 203-kilometre standard-gauge railway line will connect Kano, a major commercial hub in northern Nigeria, to the federal capital, Abuja. 

Once completed, the railway will enhance regional connectivity, offering residents a safer and more efficient mode of transportation.  

In addition to improving mobility, the project is expected to drive economic growth by promoting industrial development along its corridor. 

It will also generate significant employment opportunities during its construction and subsequent operations.  

The Kano-Kaduna railway is recognized as a key cooperation project under the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. Construction is being executed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, with financing from the CDB.  

Previously, the project was slated for funding by the China Exim Bank, which later withdrew its financial commitment. The CDB subsequently stepped in as the new financier.  

The bank reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating closely with the Nigerian government to ensure timely disbursement of funds and effective management of subsequent project phases.  

“Going forward, [the CDB] will closely coordinate with Nigerian partners to ensure the smooth disbursement of subsequent loans and effective post-loan management,” the statement added.  

President Bola Tinubu had earlier assured Nigerians that the broader Ibadan-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano railway project would be completed satisfactorily. 

The Federal Government has allocated N44.4 billion this year to complete the Abuja-Kaduna Railway project, the Lagos-Ibadan railway, and other rail infrastructure initiatives.  

Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, is expected in Abuja on Wednesday for an official visit. 

During his stay, Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China, will engage in discussions to further strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and China.