China has urged the international community to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty following a threat of military intervention from United States (US) President Donald Trump.
Beijing reaffirmed its support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing Nigeria as a strategic partner committed to a development path shaped by its own national realities.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular press briefing, according to a statement posted by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday.
"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," Mao said.
She stressed that religion and human rights should never be used as pretexts for foreign interference, adding, "We oppose any country’s interference in other countries’ internal affairs under the pretext of religion and human rights. We oppose the wanton threat of sanctions and use of force."
The comments came after Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, claimed he had asked the Pentagon to draw up plans for possible military action in Nigeria, alleging that Christianity faced an "existential threat" in the country.
"If Nigeria does not stem the killings, the United States will attack and it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians," Trump wrote.
He reiterated the threat aboard Air Force One on Sunday, telling reporters that he was "considering a lot of things," including the deployment of troops or air strikes.
The remarks have triggered strong diplomatic responses across political circles.
Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala, in an interview with AFP, said Nigeria remains a US ally in the global fight against terrorism but insisted that any support must respect the nation’s sovereignty.
"Nigeria welcomes US support to fight terrorism as long as it respects our territorial integrity," Bwala said.
He suggested Trump’s comments might be aimed at prompting a high-level meeting between both leaders.
According to him, President Tinubu and Trump could meet soon to discuss shared security concerns and clarify differences over claims of faith-based violence.
Tinubu had earlier dismissed allegations that Christians were being targeted in Nigeria, maintaining that the country’s tradition of religious coexistence remains firm.
"The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality," the president stated.
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