China has urged restraint and dialogue following Donald Trump, President of the United States, threat of military action in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians, warning against the use of religion or human rights as pretexts for interference in other nations’ internal affairs.
The development, confirmed by the Chinese Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday, came as Beijing reaffirmed its firm support for the Nigerian government and called on Washington to respect national sovereignty and avoid interference under the pretext of religion or human rights.
At a press briefing in Beijing, Mao Ning, Foreign Ministry spokesperson said China stood “firmly with Nigeria” as a comprehensive strategic partner, stressing that every country must be free to choose its own development path based on its national realities.
“As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people to a development path that fits Nigeria’s national realities.
“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 sanction and use of force”, Mao said.
Her remarks were in response to questions about Trump’s statements designating Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” on October 31, alleging that Christian communities were being threatened.
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On November 1, Trump warned that if the Nigerian government “continues to condone the killing of Christians,” the U.S. would halt all assistance to Nigeria and “very likely take military action” to eliminate Islamic terrorists.
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, 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. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet… The Nigerian government better move fast!” Trump said in a statement on Saturday.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed Trump’s allegations as inconsistent with the facts, affirming that the country remains committed to combating violent extremism, protecting all citizens regardless of religion, promoting inclusiveness, and upholding the rules-based international order.
Mao Ning also addressed related concerns about rising global tensions, including reports that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was seeking military equipment from China, Russia, and Iran amid fears of possible U.S. attacks.
She reiterated Beijing’s opposition to the use or threat of force in international relations.
“China supports efforts to combat cross-border crimes through stronger international cooperation.
“We oppose unilateral and excessive ‘enforcement operations’ against other countries’ vessels, and we hope the U.S. will engage in normal law enforcement and judicial cooperation through bilateral and multilateral legal frameworks”, she said.