China has called on the international community to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty following a threat of military action from the United States.
The Chinese government reaffirmed its support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, commending Nigeria for pursuing a development path that reflects its unique national realities.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks while chairing a regular press conference, according to a post by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria on X on Tuesday.
“As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people along a development path that suits Nigeria’s national circumstances,” Mao Ning was quoted as saying.
The Chinese government emphasized that issues such as religion and human rights should not be used as pretexts for external interference in sovereign nations.
“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 and the use of force,” Mao stated.
Trump’s threat
In an explosive post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, former US President Donald Trump said he had asked the Pentagon to draw up a possible plan of attack on Nigeria, one day after warning that Christianity faced “an existential threat” in Africa’s most populous country.
Trump wrote that if Nigeria failed to curb the killings, the US would attack, adding, “It will be fast, vicious, and sweet—just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians.”
On Sunday, Trump reiterated his threat of potential military operations in Nigeria over the alleged killings of Christians.
When asked aboard Air Force One whether he was considering deploying US troops or authorizing air strikes, Trump replied, “Could be—I envisage a lot of things.”
The US President’s declaration has since triggered widespread reactions across political and diplomatic circles.
Responding, presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala told AFP that Nigeria remains a partner of the US in the global fight against terrorism.
“Nigeria welcomes US support to combat terrorism as long as it respects our territorial integrity,” Bwala said.
He suggested that Trump’s comments might be intended to prompt a high-level meeting between the two leaders.
Bwala added that President Tinubu and Trump could meet soon to discuss shared security concerns and clarify differences regarding faith-related violence.
Tinubu earlier dismissed claims that Christians were being targeted more than other groups, insisting that Nigeria’s record of religious tolerance remains strong.
“The characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” the president stated.
