By Deborah Nnamdi
China has urged the international community to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty following threats of possible U.S. military action against the country.
In a statement reaffirming its support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Beijing praised Nigeria for charting a development path that aligns with its unique national realities.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks during a regular press conference, according to a post 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 further stressed that religion and human rights should not be used as pretexts for interference in other countries’ internal affairs.
“We oppose any country’s interference in other nations’ internal affairs under the pretext of religion and human rights. We oppose the wanton threat of sanctions and the use of force,” she added.
The statement comes after former U.S. President Donald Trump, in a series of posts on his Truth Social platform, claimed that Christianity was “facing an existential threat” in Nigeria and directed the Pentagon to prepare a potential plan of attack against the country.
“If Nigeria does not stop 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.
While aboard Air Force One, Trump hinted that U.S. military action “could be” an option, saying he “envisages a lot of things.”
Reacting, presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala told AFP that Nigeria remains committed to its partnership with the United States in combating terrorism but emphasized that such cooperation must respect the country’s sovereignty.
“Nigeria welcomes U.S. support to fight terrorism as long as it respects our territorial integrity,” Bwala said, adding that Trump’s remarks might be aimed at prompting a high-level dialogue between both leaders.
Bwala also noted that President Tinubu and Trump could meet soon to discuss security cooperation and clarify misunderstandings over religious violence.
Tinubu has repeatedly maintained that Nigeria remains a nation of religious tolerance.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” the president stated.
