By Joy Yesufu
The Government of the People’s Republic of China has declared firm support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration and cautioned the United States against meddling in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, stated this during a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday while reacting to remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently accused Nigeria of persecuting Christians and threatened possible military action.
Trump had earlier labelled Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern”, alleging an ongoing genocide against Christians, and warned that the U.S. could suspend aid or deploy force if the Nigerian government failed to stop the killings.
Responding to the claims, Mao described China’s relationship with Nigeria as a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” reaffirming Beijing’s opposition to the use of religion or human rights as tools for political pressure.
“China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on the development path suited to its national conditions.
“We oppose any country using religion or human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs or to threaten them with sanctions or military force.” Mao said
She added that Beijing respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and trusts its leadership to maintain national stability and religious harmony without external coercion.
US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he has ordered the Defense Department to prepare for possible military action in Nigeria as he continues to accuse the nation of not doing enough to stem violence against Christians — an accusation Nigeria has repeatedly denied.
In a social media post criticizing what he called the “mass slaughter” of Christians in the country, Trump wrote the United States would “immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria” and warned the government there to “move fast.”
Trump said the US may come into Nigeria to take out terrorists committing heinous crimes in the country.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly dismissed claims of a “Christian genocide,” describing them as unfounded and politically motivated.
