Olayiwola Matthew
The Chinese government has cautioned foreign powers, particularly the United States, against meddling in Nigeria’s internal affairs under the guise of defending human rights or religion, reaffirming its support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking at a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, the Spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, said China firmly opposes any external interference or threats of military action against Nigeria.
“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 stated.
She commended the Tinubu administration for steering Nigeria along a development path that aligns with its national realities, adding that China respects the sovereignty and independent choices of all nations.
The remarks followed reports that the United States had threatened possible military intervention in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump was quoted as saying that Washington would “take decisive action” if what he described as “genocide against Christians” in Nigeria was not halted.
China’s latest position underscores its longstanding policy of non-interference and its strategic partnership with Nigeria in areas of trade, infrastructure development, and security cooperation.