China has publicly declared its unwavering support for the Nigerian government. This statement comes amidst escalating diplomatic tension following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of military action over alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning confirmed Beijing’s position. Ning stated that China “firmly supports the Nigerian government as it leads its people on the development path suited to its national conditions.”
Beijing Opposes External Interference
Responding directly to questions regarding President Trump’s recent comments, Ning issued a strong diplomatic rebuke.
Ning stated that as Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China fundamentally “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.”
Ning’s comments followed President Trump’s directive from last Saturday. Trump instructed the U.S. Department of Defense to “prepare for possible action” in Nigeria. This significantly escalated tension between Abuja and Washington.
Trump’s Ultimatum to Nigeria
President Trump publicly warned the Nigerian government to act decisively to end the “killing of Christians.” He also referred to Nigeria as a “disgraced country.”
Trump’s statement delivered a clear ultimatum:
- Aid Cut: The U.S. would “immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria” if the government failed to act.
- Invasion Threat: The U.S. “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.”
- Military Directive: “I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action.”
Trump added that any U.S. attack would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”
Nigeria Denies Persecution Claims
The Nigerian government immediately denied the allegations in a strongly worded statement. President Bola Tinubu asserted that the characterization of the nation “as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality.” He added that the government is dedicated to safeguarding religious freedom for all citizens.
“Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it,” President Tinubu stated.
China’s public support is the first significant international backing for Nigeria following President Trump’s threat of military intervention.
The Nigerian Presidency has assured citizens that President Tinubu and Trump would meet in the coming days to address the crisis, although no specific date has been provided.
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