China has declared its firm support for the Nigerian government, urging other countries to respect its sovereignty and refrain from meddling in its internal affairs.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Beijing, Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, said Nigeria’s leadership was guiding its people “on a development path suited to its national conditions”.
“As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, 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,” she said.
Her comments came in response to US President Donald Trump’s recent threat of military action in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
On Saturday, Trump said he had instructed the US Department of War to “prepare for possible action” in Nigeria, warning that America could “go in guns-a-blazing” if the killings of Christians continued.
He described Nigeria as a “disgraced country”, adding that Washington would stop all aid if Abuja failed to act swiftly.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly dismissed claims of a Christian genocide, insisting the allegations are politically motivated.
President Bola Tinubu said the US leader’s remarks did not reflect Nigeria’s reality, stressing that the country remains committed to religious freedom and tolerance.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians,” Tinubu said.
“Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.”
