China has issued a strong warning to the United States, urging Washington not to meddle in Nigeria’s domestic affairs following recent threats by former U.S. President Donald Trump over alleged persecution of Christians in the country.
Speaking at a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Nigeria’s sovereignty and development path.
“As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion or human rights as excuses to interfere in another nation’s internal affairs, or to threaten sanctions and military action,” Mao stated.
Her comments came in response to Trump’s remarks over the weekend, where he threatened possible U.S. military action in Nigeria, accusing the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians.
Trump had directed the U.S. Department of War to prepare for what he called “possible action” against Nigeria, warning that America could halt all aid and “go in guns blazing” to eliminate what he described as “Islamic terrorists” attacking Christians.
“If the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S. will immediately stop all aid and may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing,” Trump said, adding that any attack “will be fast, vicious, and sweet.”
The Nigerian government, however, has repeatedly dismissed such allegations as misleading and exaggerated.
In a statement responding to Trump’s threats, President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to religious tolerance and freedom of worship, describing the country as one that values peaceful coexistence among its citizens.
“The description of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” Tinubu said. “Religious freedom and tolerance are core values of our collective identity, and the government remains steadfast in protecting the rights of all Nigerians, regardless of faith.”
Meanwhile, Mao Ning also addressed reports that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was seeking military assistance from China, Russia, and Iran amid fears of U.S. aggression.
She reiterated China’s opposition to the use or threat of force in international relations, emphasizing the need for cooperation through lawful frameworks.
“China supports efforts to combat cross-border crimes through stronger international cooperation, but we stand firmly against unilateral and excessive enforcement actions that threaten peace and stability, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean,” Mao added.
China’s statement comes amid heightened global tensions as Washington’s rhetoric continues to draw criticism from several countries wary of perceived U.S. interference in sovereign states.
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