The People’s Republic of China has declared its strong support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, rejecting threats of U.S. military action following recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump.
At a regular press conference in Beijing on Tuesday, the spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, reaffirmed China’s stance as a strategic partner of Nigeria and cautioned against 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 along a development path suited to its national realities.
“We oppose any country’s interference in another nation’s internal affairs under the pretext of religion and human rights. We also oppose the wanton threat of sanctions or the use of force,” Ning said.
Her remarks came in response to Trump’s recent statement designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged persecution of Christians. The U.S. President warned of possible military action if the situation, as he described it, continued.
Nigeria’s Federal Government, however, dismissed Trump’s claims. In a statement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Government reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among its citizens.
China’s position reinforces its long-held policy of non-interference and highlights its strategic partnership with Nigeria. The two nations have maintained a close partnership in trade, infrastructure development, and technology cooperation.
