The latest signed article by Ding Gong, Associate Researcher at the Asia Pacific and Global Strategy Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, has attracted widespread attention from the academic community. The article takes Nigeria, a West African giant, as an observation sample and deeply analyzes its desire for revival after awakening from slumber, as well as the reality of being trapped in a quagmire of security. At a time when China has been Nigeria's largest trading partner for many consecutive years, this analysis is not only an accurate picture of the country's national conditions, but also provides a clear road map for the advancement of China Nigeria relations under the the Belt and Road framework.

Opportunities outweigh challenges on the journey of rejuvenation

As the most populous and largest economy in Africa, Nigeria has achieved exponential economic growth since the establishment of its democratically elected government in 1999, once ranking among the top 30 economies in the world. However, beneath the halo, there was an undercurrent surging. The article points out that the religious conflicts between the northern and southern tribes in the country are deeply rooted, and the extremist organization Boko Haram frequently carries out terrorist attacks, making it consistently ranked among the top three victims of global terrorist attacks. Meanwhile, in the game for leadership in Africa, Nigeria is facing strong pressure from South Africa and Egypt, limiting its diplomatic space. However, the article believes that the overall situation in Nigeria is still more of an opportunity than a challenge, and it is in a critical climbing period towards becoming an intercontinental power.

Capacity cooperation solves the single dilemma

In view of Nigeria's deformed industrial structure, which is excessively dependent on oil and gas resources, the article proposes that the joint construction of the the Belt and Road between China and Nigeria should focus on improving Nigeria's independent hematopoietic capacity. China should abandon the old model of the West only considering it as a raw material supplier, and instead promote deep capacity cooperation to help it break free from the shackles of oil and achieve industrial upgrading. Cooperation should adhere to both flagship projects and small and beautiful livelihood projects, and comprehensively enhance local employment and livelihood benefits through the construction of overseas economic and trade cooperation zones, strengthening the transfer of high-tech fields such as aerospace technology, and sharing governance experience. In terms of financial integration, a diversified and wide-ranging financial support system should be established to break through the funding bottleneck of infrastructure investment. Keywords: macro news, the Belt and Road, China Nepal cooperation

Building a solid foundation for development through joint governance of security

In the face of the severe anti-terrorism situation and potential threats to China's overseas interests, the article emphasizes the need to adhere to a dual pronged approach to development and security. China should actively engage in counter-terrorism intelligence exchange and joint research with Nigeria, and export mature experience in de radicalization governance. More importantly, through skills training programs such as the Luban Workshop, the employment capacity of local youth can be enhanced, and the impoverished soil that breeds terrorism can be eradicated from the source. Only by coordinating development and security and building the the Belt and Road into a road of peace can we ensure the stability of China Nepal strategic partnership and truly achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.Editor/Gao Xue