China has called on the international community to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty, following recent threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to consider military action against Nigeria over alleged religious persecution.
In a statement released on Tuesday and published on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reaffirmed Beijing’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration and Nigeria’s right to pursue its own development model.
“As Nigeria’s strategic partner, China opposes any attempt by foreign powers to use religion or human rights as a pretext to meddle in another country’s internal affairs or impose sanctions and military threats,” Mao said during a press briefing in Beijing.
The Chinese government praised Nigeria’s leadership for steering the nation along a development path suited to its national realities, highlighting the long-standing friendship and cooperation between both countries.
Mao emphasised that sovereignty and non-interference remain fundamental principles of international relations and that dialogue and cooperation should guide the global community’s engagement with developing nations.
“China believes that every nation has the right to determine its internal affairs without external coercion. We support Nigeria’s efforts to maintain stability, promote economic growth, and safeguard national unity,” she added.
The remarks come amid heightened global tension, after Trump described Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” and directed the U.S. Department of War to prepare for “possible action” if alleged killings of Christians continued.
The U.S. President’s comments have drawn criticism from several quarters, with analysts warning that such statements could undermine diplomatic relations and destabilise Africa’s largest economy.
Beijing’s intervention underscores China’s growing role as a strategic ally to Nigeria and its continued emphasis on non-interference in the domestic affairs of other countries.
