- As Donald Trump threatens to deploy the military over alleged persecution of Christians, China has publicly backed Nigeria and warned the United States not to use religion as a pretext for intervention.
- Beijing reaffirmed its strategic partnership with Nigeria, while presidential aide Daniel Bwala dismissed Trump’s remarks as misinformation from separatist groups and urged respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
China has thrown its support behind Nigeria after former US President Donald Trump threatened military action over Nigeria’s alleged persecution of Christians.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning told a news conference in Beijing that China “firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, or to threaten sanctions and force.”
Ning reiterated Beijing’s support for Nigeria, calling it a “comprehensive strategic partner” and praising Nigeria’s efforts to pursue a development path that suits its needs.
Trump previously accused the Nigerian government of targeting Christians and hinted at deploying U.S. troops to intervene, a comment that sparked outrage among Nigerian authorities.
Daniel Bwara, a top aide to President Bola Tinubu, responded on Monday by saying that while Nigeria remains open to international security cooperation, it will not tolerate any form of foreign military presence on its soil.
Bwara dismissed Trump’s remarks as misinformation allegedly fueled by separatist groups, including members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who he said were trying to influence U.S. policymakers.
He stressed that Nigeria did not face any state-sponsored persecution, urging Washington to respect the country’s sovereignty and provide support through intelligence sharing and the provision of military equipment to combat terrorism and insecurity.
