China has firmly underscored its opposition to any external meddling in Nigeria’s internal matters, issuing a strong diplomatic message in response to remarks by the United States President suggesting potential military intervention over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reaffirmed Beijing’s long-standing strategic partnership with Nigeria’s government. She emphasised that as a sovereign nation, Nigeria has the right to choose its own development path, free from external pressure framed under human rights or religious pretexts.
Mao Ning criticised attempts by other countries to impose sanctions or resort to force under the guise of human rights advocacy, labelling such behaviour as destabilising and unacceptable. China pledged its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as it pursues a development agenda tailored to Nigeria’s unique circumstances.
Her remarks come at a time of heightened global focus on Nigeria’s religious tensions and rights record, and reflect China’s broader foreign-policy stance of opposing unilateral coercion. The statement also underscores China’s continued diplomatic and economic investment in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, as it seeks to fortify its role as a key ally of African nations.
