China has warned the United States against meddling in Nigeria’s internal affairs following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to launch military action if the killing of Christians in the country continues.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Beijing “firmly supports President Bola Tinubu’s administration as it leads its people on a development path suited to its national conditions.”
Ning was responding to questions about Trump’s recent comments, in which he vowed to stop all U.S. aid to Nigeria and consider direct military intervention if the Nigerian government fails to curb what he described as the “killing of innocent Christians.” Trump had declared that his country was ready to go “guns-a-blazing” to “wipe out Islamic terrorists” responsible for the violence.
In a sharp rebuttal, the Chinese government said it stands with Nigeria as a “comprehensive strategic partner,” stressing that it opposes any attempt by foreign powers to exploit issues of religion or human rights to exert political pressure.
“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,” Mao said.
Beijing’s statement comes amid mounting global reactions to Trump’s warning, which many analysts see as a diplomatic flashpoint capable of straining relations between Washington and Abuja. China’s defense of Nigeria underscores its growing influence and long-standing economic partnership with Africa’s largest economy.
