China Backs Nigeria, Slams U.S. ‘Interference’ Over Religious Freedom Dispute
By ANDERSON (ANDY) CLIFF
BEIJING urges respect for national sovereignty after Trump’s threat of sanctions, military action.
China has thrown its full support behind Nigeria, warning against any form of foreign interference following recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump criticizing Nigeria’s handling of religious issues.
In a statement released on Tuesday via the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s website, spokesperson Mao Ning reaffirmed China’s position as a “comprehensive strategic partner” of Nigeria and emphasized that every nation has the right to pursue its own development path without external pressure.
China’s Position: Respect for Sovereignty
Speaking at a routine press briefing in Beijing, Mao said China stood firmly with Nigeria’s government and people.
“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,” she stated.
Mao condemned the use of religion and human rights as excuses for interference in domestic governance, adding that:
“We oppose any country’s interference in other countries’ internal affairs under the pretext of religion and human rights. We oppose the wanton threat of sanctions and the use of force.”
U.S.–Nigeria Tensions
Mao’s remarks come amid escalating tensions after Donald Trump recently designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over alleged persecution of Christians.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump accused the Nigerian government of “condoning the killing of Christians” and threatened to cut off U.S. aid and assistance or even take military action against Islamic militant groups operating in the country.
“If Nigeria’s government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S. will immediately stop all aid and assistance… and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” Trump wrote.
His comments have drawn widespread reactions, especially among U.S. conservative and evangelical groups pressing for tougher action on alleged religious persecution in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Strategic Partnership with China
China’s response underscores the deepening diplomatic and economic ties between Beijing and Abuja, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and several infrastructure and energy collaborations.
Analysts note that China’s swift defense of Nigeria reflects its broader opposition to Western unilateralism and sanctions-based diplomacy, especially in Africa.
“China’s message is clear — it stands for sovereignty and mutual respect in global relations,” one foreign policy analyst observed. “This is part of Beijing’s growing effort to position itself as a reliable ally to African nations facing Western scrutiny.”
Context: Rising Global Attention on Nigeria
Nigeria has increasingly found itself at the intersection of global power rivalry, with the U.S. and China seeking to deepen influence across Africa.
While Washington has often linked its engagement with governance and human rights, Beijing has consistently advocated a non-interference approach, emphasizing economic cooperation and political respect.
With China now openly backing Nigeria, observers say the diplomatic exchanges could further sharpen tensions between Beijing and Washington over their competing visions for engagement with African nations.
