The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has met with the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. This high-level meeting took place following a recent military threat issued against Nigeria by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Ambassador highlighted the strength of the ongoing partnership between the two nations.
He stated that practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results since President Tinubu attended the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and made his state visit to China last year.
Commitment to Development and Sovereignty
Ambassador Dunhai emphasized China’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s development path.
“Since President Tinubu’s attendance at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and his state visit to China last year, practical cooperation between our two countries across various fields has yielded fruitful outcomes, effectively supporting Nigeria’s socioeconomic development and the improvement of people’s livelihoods.”
He reiterated that China stands by the Nigerian government’s efforts to bring development to its citizens. As a strategic partner, China strongly opposes external or military interference in Nigeria’s domestic affairs.
Opposition to External Pressure
Ambassador Dunhai reaffirmed China’s diplomatic stance: “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.”
He continued, expressing direct opposition to the U.S. threat: “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.”
This statement of support reinforces a position previously articulated by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The diplomatic tension was triggered after President Trump designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” and subsequently ordered the U.S. Department of Defense to “prepare for possible action” last Saturday. This directive significantly escalated tensions between Abuja and Washington.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning had earlier stated that Beijing “firmly supports the Nigerian government.” She added that China “firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs or to threaten them with sanctions or force.”
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