By Ayomide Otitoju
China has expressed firm support for Nigeria amid escalating diplomatic tensions triggered by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of military intervention over alleged persecution of Christians in the country.
At a press briefing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reaffirmed Beijing’s stance, stating that China “firmly supports the Nigerian government as it leads its people on a development path suited to its national conditions.”
Responding to questions about Trump’s remarks, Ning emphasized that China “firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as a pretext to interfere in another nation’s internal affairs or threaten force or sanctions,” adding that Nigeria remains a “key strategic partner” to China.
The response follows Trump’s weekend directive to the U.S. Department of Defense to “prepare for possible action” in Nigeria, alleging that Christians in the country were facing targeted attacks. He warned that Washington could “go into Nigeria guns-a-blazing” if the government failed to act, calling the situation a “disgrace.”
“If the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria and may very well intervene militarily,” Trump said. “If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet.”
Nigeria has strongly rejected the allegations. President Bola Tinubu dismissed Trump’s claims as “unfounded,” insisting that Nigeria remains committed to upholding religious freedom.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our reality,” Tinubu said. “Freedom of religion and mutual tolerance are fundamental to who we are as a nation.”
China’s statement marks the first major international show of support for Nigeria since Trump’s controversial comments. The Nigerian presidency has indicated that a meeting between Tinubu and Trump is being planned, though no date has yet been confirmed.
