China has urged the international community to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty following threats by the United States to take military action against the West African nation over alleged persecution of Christians.
Speaking at a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Beijing’s strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
She commended the Nigerian government for “leading its people on a development path suited to its national conditions.”
“As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion or human rights as a pretext to interfere in another country’s internal affairs, or to threaten it with sanctions and military force,” Mao said.
Her remarks came in response to recent statements attributed to US President Donald Trump, who reportedly threatened to deploy military forces in Nigeria if the alleged persecution of Christians continues.
Reiterating China’s position, Mao stressed that every nation has the right to choose its own development path free from external pressure or coercion. “China stands with Nigeria in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence, and stability,” she added.
The Chinese government’s statement underscores Beijing’s growing diplomatic alignment with African nations amid increasing global tensions and Western criticism over domestic governance and human rights issues.
