China’s foreign ministry, speaking through spokesperson Mao Ning, issued a stern warning to the United States over threats to Nigeria, saying it “firmly supports the Nigerian government as it leads its people on the development path suited to its national conditions.”
Beijing emphasized that as Nigeria’s “comprehensive strategic partner,” it “firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force.”
U.S. Threats Over Religious Violence
The Chinese statement comes in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of military action in Nigeria, linked to alleged persecution of Christians in the country.
Trump had sharply warned that if Nigeria “continues to allow the killing of Christians,” the U.S. would “immediately stop all aid and assistance,” and “go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing’ … to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists.”
He instructed the Department of War to “prepare for possible action” and promised any attack would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”
China Stance on Military Force
Mao Ning also addressed regional dynamics, condemning forceful U.S. enforcement operations abroad.
“China supports the effort of combating cross-border crimes through stronger international cooperation, and opposes using or threatening to use force in international relations,” she said.
She further asserted opposition to “moves that undermine peace and stability in the Latin America and the Caribbean region, and oppose unilateral and excessive ‘enforcement operations’ against other countries’ vessels.”
Nigeria Pushes Back
Nigeria’s government has repeatedly rejected the U.S. assertion of a Christian genocide.
President Bola Tinubu responded that calling Nigeria “religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” noting the country has long guarded “religious freedom and tolerance” and will not “encourage persecution.”
