The People’s Republic of China has voiced firm support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, warning against any external interference in Nigeria’s domestic matters following recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump threatening military action.
During a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, reaffirmed China’s opposition to the use of religion or human rights as justifications for meddling in the internal affairs of sovereign nations.
“As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on the development path suited to its national conditions,” Mao said.
“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,” she added.
Her remarks were in response to Trump’s recent warning of potential U.S. military intervention in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians; claims that Nigerian authorities have strongly refuted.
On October 31, the U.S. State Department redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), citing alleged widespread attacks on Christians, a move that has heightened diplomatic strain between Washington and Abuja.
China’s latest statement underscores its growing political and strategic alignment with Nigeria as tensions between the West African nation and the United States deepen.
