China has declared strong support for Nigeria and criticized the United States following threats of military action issued by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Beijing urged the international community to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and warned against using religion and human rights as pretexts for foreign interference.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks during a regular press briefing, according to a statement posted by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria on X on Tuesday.
“As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on a development path that fits Nigeria’s national realities,” Mao Ning said.
She emphasized that China opposes any form of external meddling in sovereign nations, particularly under sensitive banners such as religion and human rights.
“We oppose any country’s interference in other countries’ internal affairs under the pretext of religion and human rights. We oppose the wanton threat of sanctions and the use of force,” she added.
Trump’s Warning Sparks Diplomatic Reactions
Tensions escalated over the weekend after Trump issued a blistering warning on his Truth Social platform, stating that he had instructed the Pentagon to draw up potential strike plans for Nigeria.
His comments followed claims that Christianity was “facing an existential threat” in Africa’s most populous nation.
“If Nigeria does not stem the killings, the United States will attack, and it will be fast, vicious, and sweet—just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians,” Trump wrote.
Speaking again on Sunday aboard Air Force One, Trump doubled down on the threat. Asked whether he was considering deploying troops or authorizing air strikes, he responded: “Could be, I envisage a lot of things.”
His comments have since triggered global diplomatic reactions and stirred intense debate across political circles.
Responding to the controversy, President Bola Tinubu’s spokesman, Daniel Bwala, told AFP that Nigeria remains a key American partner in the global fight against terrorism.
“Nigeria welcomes U.S. support to fight terrorism as long as it respects our territorial integrity,” Bwala said.
He added that Trump’s remarks may be intended to prompt a high-level discussion between the two leaders. According to him, President Tinubu and Trump could meet soon to address shared security concerns and clarify misunderstandings surrounding religious violence.
Tinubu has repeatedly rejected claims that Christians are being disproportionately targeted in Nigeria, insisting the country remains committed to peaceful coexistence.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” the president said.
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