China Warns US Against Interfering in Nigeria’s Affairs

China has expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration following threats of military intervention in Nigeria by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking at a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 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.”

She stressed that China stands with Nigeria as it “leads its people on the development path suited to its national conditions,” adding that Beijing views the partnership between both nations as strategic and enduring.

Ning made the remarks in response to questions regarding Trump’s warning of possible military action in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.

“As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on the development path suited to its national conditions.

“China 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,” Ning said.

Bayo Onanuga, spokesman to Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, shared China’s reaction on his X handle on Tuesday.

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Onanuga had spoken severally, on behalf of the Presidency, denying religious discrimination and persecution of any kind in Nigeria.

Trump had recently accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians and hinted that the United States could launch an armed intervention.

The Nigerian government has repeatedly dismissed allegations of religious persecution, insisting the country remains committed to protecting freedom of belief.

President Bola Tinubu, reacting to Trump’s remarks, said: “The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians. Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.