China has condemned the United States for what it described as an attempt to “interfere” in Nigeria’s internal affairs under the guise of religion, after US President, Donald Trump, threatened possible military action over alleged killings of Christians.
At a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Mao Ning, said Beijing “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 described Nigeria as a strategic partner of China and expressed strong diplomatic backing for Abuja’s domestic governance path.
“As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on a development path suited to its national conditions”, she said.
The remarks followed comments made over the weekend by US President, Donald Trump, who warned that Washington may consider military options against Nigeria over what he called “mass killings of Christians”.
Trump claimed that Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria, accusing “radical Islamists” of being responsible for “mass slaughter” in parts of the country.
China’s response underscores Beijing’s long-standing opposition to military intervention and sanctions in foreign countries, especially in regions where it has growing economic and security interests. Nigeria remains one of China’s most important partners in Africa, with major investments in infrastructure, energy, and technology.
