The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, met with the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, following threats by former U.S. President Donald Trump to launch a military action against Nigeria.
Ambassador Dunhai reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s sovereignty and development, emphasizing that Beijing opposes any external interference in the country’s internal affairs.
> “As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on a development path that fits Nigeria’s national realities. We oppose any country’s interference in other nations’ internal affairs under the pretext of religion or human rights. We reject the wanton threat of sanctions or use of force,” Dunhai stated.
He noted that cooperation between both nations has deepened since President Bola Tinubu’s participation in the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and his state visit to China last year.
> “Practical cooperation between our two countries across various fields has yielded fruitful outcomes, effectively supporting Nigeria’s socioeconomic growth and improving people’s livelihoods,” he added.
China’s foreign ministry had earlier condemned Trump’s comments, describing them as “an unacceptable interference.”
At a press briefing on Tuesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated that Beijing “firmly supports the Nigerian government as it leads its people on a development path suited to its national conditions.”
Trump had recently directed the U.S. Department of Defense to “prepare for possible action” in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians — a move that has drawn widespread global criticism.
