China has expressed strong support for Nigeria amid threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to launch military action over alleged persecution of Christians in the country.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, made this known at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday, saying China “firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, or threaten them with sanctions and force.”
Ning added that Beijing stands firmly with Nigeria as it “leads its people on a development path suited to its national conditions,” describing the country as a “comprehensive strategic partner.”
Trump had recently accused Nigeria’s government of religious persecution and hinted at deploying American troops to protect Christians a claim that has drawn sharp reactions from Abuja.
Responding on Monday, Daniel Bwala, a senior aide to President Bola Tinubu, said Nigeria welcomes security cooperation but will not accept foreign troops on its soil. He described Trump’s threat as a product of misinformation spread by separatist elements, particularly members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Bwala added that the genocide narrative was being amplified by groups seeking to influence U.S. policymakers, insisting that independent reports show no evidence of state-backed persecution. He called on Washington to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and instead support the country with intelligence and military equipment to combat insecurity.
