China has urged the international community particularly the United States to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty, following recent military threats issued by Washington.
The statement, released by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, reaffirmed Beijing’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and its right to pursue policies that reflect Nigeria’s national realities.
The remarks came amid growing global concern after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened possible military action against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Mao Ning, China views such threats as an unacceptable form of interference in a sovereign nation’s internal affairs.
“As Nigeria’s strategic partner, China firmly opposes any attempt by foreign powers to use religion or human rights as a pretext to interfere in another country’s internal affairs or to impose sanctions or military threats,” Mao said during a press briefing in Beijing.
Her comments highlight China’s long-standing foreign policy of non-interference, a stance it has consistently maintained in global diplomatic matters.
Moreover, the statement reflects China’s growing partnership with Nigeria, which has become one of Africa’s largest recipients of Chinese investment.
Meanwhile, tensions between Nigeria and the United States have intensified in recent days after President Trump accused the Nigerian government of allowing what he described as a “Christian genocide.”
He warned that if the situation was not addressed, American military forces could be deployed to Nigeria.
While some Western analysts claim Trump’s comments were rooted in human rights concerns, others, including Beijing, have criticized them as “politically motivated interference.”
In addition, Chinese officials praised Nigeria’s continued efforts to maintain national stability while promoting economic growth through infrastructure and energy projects, many of which are backed by Chinese funding.
“China commends Nigeria for following a development path that suits its national conditions,” Mao added, noting that Beijing remains committed to deepening cooperation in areas such as trade, infrastructure, and security.
Furthermore, the statement emphasized that Africa’s stability must be safeguarded by mutual respect, partnership, and dialogue.
