China has voiced strong support for Nigeria following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of military action over alleged persecution of Christians in the country.
At a press briefing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing “firmly supports the Nigerian government as it leads its people on a development path suited to its national conditions.”
Responding to Trump’s remarks, Ning stressed that “as Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion or human rights as a pretext to interfere in another nation’s internal affairs or to threaten it with sanctions or force.”
Her comments came after Trump ordered the U.S. Department of Defense to “prepare for possible action” in Nigeria, warning that Washington could intervene militarily if attacks on Christians continued. Trump described Nigeria as a “disgraced country,” vowing that any U.S. strike would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”
The Nigerian government dismissed Trump’s claims, insisting that the country upholds religious freedom and tolerance. In a statement, President Bola Tinubu said the portrayal of Nigeria as religiously intolerant “does not reflect our national reality,” adding that the government remains committed to protecting freedom of belief for all citizens.
China’s declaration marks the first major international show of support for Nigeria since Trump’s threat. The Presidency has confirmed that a meeting between Tinubu and Trump is being arranged, though no date has been announced.
