The People’s Republic of China has reiterated its strong support for Nigeria’s ongoing campaign against terrorism and efforts to preserve national stability, while firmly opposing any form of external interference in the country’s internal affairs.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, made this known on Thursday in a statement shared on his official X account following a meeting with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu.
Dunhai highlighted the deepening partnership between both nations, stating that China remains committed to backing Nigeria’s development priorities and security initiatives.
“Since President Tinubu’s participation in the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation and his state visit last year, practical cooperation between our countries has produced valuable outcomes that support Nigeria’s socioeconomic development and improve the welfare of its people,” he wrote.
“As a comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in pursuing a development path that aligns with Nigeria’s national realities.”
The ambassador stressed that China strongly opposes any country’s intrusion into Nigeria’s domestic affairs under the guise of religion or human rights.
“We reject interference in the internal affairs of sovereign nations on the pretext of religion or human rights. We oppose the reckless use of sanctions and the threat of force,” he said.
“China is willing to continue supporting Nigeria in combating terrorism and maintaining domestic stability.”
His remarks come amid heightened international attention on Nigeria’s security situation, following recent comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened to deploy American forces to Nigeria if alleged atrocities against Christians were not halted.
China had earlier restated its stance during a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, where Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning cautioned against foreign intrusion into Nigeria’s domestic matters.
Ning affirmed that every country has the sovereign right to address its internal challenges without coercion or external pressure.
Nigeria has repeatedly dismissed allegations of religious persecution or genocide, insisting that its security operations are targeted solely at criminal networks and terrorist groups that threaten national unity.
The government also rejected its inclusion on a U.S. list of countries violating religious freedom, describing the designation as misguided and based on inaccurate interpretations of its security complexities.
Officials maintain that Nigeria’s crisis is driven by terrorism—not religious conflict—as both Christians and Muslims have suffered from violent attacks.
Despite these clarifications, Trump on Wednesday reiterated his threat to cut off U.S. aid to Nigeria should claims of Christian persecution persist.
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