China has thrown its weight behind Nigeria amid rising tension following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of military action.
The Chinese government urged the international community to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty, warning against any interference under the pretext of religion or human rights.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Mao Ning, made the statement during a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday.
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria confirmed her remarks in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter).
“As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on a development path that fits their national realities,” Mao said.
She added, “We oppose any country’s interference in other countries’ internal affairs under the pretext of religion and human rights. We oppose the wanton threat of sanctions or use of force.”
The statement came after Trump’s controversial post on his Truth Social platform, where he claimed to have instructed the Pentagon to prepare an attack plan on Nigeria.
Trump accused the Nigerian government of failing to stop what he described as “the killings of Christians” across the country.
In his words, Trump said any strike on Nigeria “will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians.”
The remark sparked global outrage, with several world leaders and diplomats condemning the threat.
When asked by journalists aboard Air Force One on Sunday if he was considering sending U.S. troops or launching air strikes, Trump replied, “Could be, I envisage a lot of things.”
Reacting to Trump’s comments, Nigeria’s presidential spokesman, Daniel Bwala, said the country values its partnership with the United States but insists on the need for mutual respect.
“Nigeria welcomes U.S. support to fight terrorism as long as it respects our territorial integrity,” Bwala said.
He hinted that President Bola Tinubu and Trump might soon hold a meeting to discuss security concerns and clarify differences over faith-related violence.
President Tinubu also dismissed the claim that Christians were being deliberately targeted in Nigeria, stressing that the country remains united despite religious diversity.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” Tinubu said.
China’s backing of Nigeria has added a new twist to the escalating diplomatic tension triggered by Trump’s military remarks. Analysts say Beijing’s statement signals a broader strategic alignment between both countries amid increasing global geopoitical rivalry
