China has issued a stern warning to the United States to refrain from interfering in Nigeria’s internal affairs, following threats by former US President Donald Trump to take military action against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Beijing’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing Nigeria as a “comprehensive strategic partner.” “China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force,” Mao said.
The Chinese government firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on the development path suited to its national conditions. This statement comes in response to Trump’s warning of possible military action in Nigeria, accusing the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians.
Trump had stated, “If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing’, to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”
The Nigerian government has repeatedly dismissed allegations of religious persecution, insisting the country remains committed to protecting freedom of belief. President Bola Tinubu said, “The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians.”
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, shared China’s statement on his X handle, thanking Beijing for its “principled stand” and reiterating that Nigeria does not persecute any religious group.
