China has reaffirmed its steadfast support for Nigeria’s government and urged respect for the country’s sovereignty after US threats of military action over alleged persecution of Christians, Beijing said on Tuesday.
At a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning described Nigeria as “a comprehensive strategic partner” and said China opposes any country using religion or human-rights claims to interfere in another state’s internal affairs or to justify sanctions and force. The comment responded to questions about US President Donald Trump’s threats concerning Nigeria.
The Nigerian government has likewise rejected foreign intervention. Daniel Bwala, an aide to President Bola Tinubu, told Russian state television that allegations of a state-sponsored campaign against Christians are false and form part of an orchestrated media narrative. He said independent monitors and credible civil-society groups have found no evidence of a government-backed religious genocide.
Bwala accused supporters of the separatist group IPOB of amplifying misinformation to influence US lawmakers, and suggested Republican senators — including Ted Cruz — had been misled by such briefs and social-media pushes. He urged Washington to respect Nigeria’s territorial integrity, saying the government seeks military assistance and equipment to tackle insecurity but does not want foreign troops on Nigerian soil.
The Tinubu aide added that the administration is prioritizing solutions to insecurity and highlighted what he described as “massive progress” in combating violence, while calling for cooperation rather than coercion from international partners.
