The Government of the People’s Republic of China has cautioned the United States against interfering in Nigeria’s internal affairs, following threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to consider military action over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Mao Ning, spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued the warning during a press conference on Tuesday in Beijing.
Responding to a question on Trump’s remarks, Ning 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 or force.”
“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,” she stated.
The Chinese government’s position comes amid growing debate triggered by Trump’s accusation that the Nigerian government is not doing enough to protect Christians and warning that the U.S. military may be mobilised in response.
Nigeria has consistently rejected such claims.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, who shared China’s reaction on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, reiterated that the Tinubu administration does not discriminate on the basis of religion.
Onanuga had earlier dismissed Trump’s statements as misleading and capable of inflaming religious tensions, insisting that no policy of the Federal Government targets any religious group.
He said President Tinubu remains committed to protecting all Nigerians irrespective of faith, ethnicity or political leaning.
Analysts say China’s open support signals the growing geopolitical contest over influence in Africa, as Beijing positions itself in defence of national sovereignty and non-interference.
China and Nigeria have maintained strong diplomatic ties, particularly in infrastructure development, trade, technology and defence cooperation.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
