China has declared its strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration following a reported threat of military action against Nigeria by former United States President Donald Trump.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that China “firmly opposes any country using religion or human rights as an excuse to interfere in another nation’s internal affairs or threaten it with sanctions or military force.”
Ning made this statement in response to a question regarding Trump’s threat of possible military intervention in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
“As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on a development path that aligns with its national conditions,” Ning said.
She further emphasised that China remains opposed to any external interference in Nigeria’s domestic matters under the guise of religion or human rights advocacy.
Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for President Tinubu, also shared China’s position on his X handle on Tuesday. He has consistently maintained that there is no form of religious discrimination or persecution in Nigeria.
