China has pledged continued support for Nigeria in its efforts to combat terrorism and maintain internal stability.
The Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun (Dunhai), made the commitment in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday following a meeting with Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA).
“As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on a development path suited to the country’s national realities,” Dunhai said.
He stressed that China opposes interference in Nigeria’s domestic affairs “under the pretext of religion and human rights,” and condemned the use of sanctions or force as a means of coercion.
“China is willing to continue supporting Nigeria in combating terrorism and maintaining domestic stability,” the ambassador added.
In a related development, Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, also warned against external interference in Nigeria’s internal matters during a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday.
Mao’s remarks came in response to a question about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent statements threatening military action in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
Over the weekend, Trump directed the U.S. Department of Defense to prepare for “possible action” in Nigeria and urged the Nigerian government to stop what he called the “killing of Christians.”
He also redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” on religious freedom grounds.
Trump’s comments followed calls by several U.S. lawmakers for Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take strong diplomatic measures against Nigeria, citing what they described as the “systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians.”
The Nigerian government has consistently denied allegations of a Christian genocide, insisting that violence in the country is driven by broader security challenges rather than religious persecution.
