China warns US against interfering in Nigeria’s domestic issues

Ebun Emmanuel — November 4, 2025p

The Chinese government has warned against foreign interference in Nigeria’s domestic affairs following a threat of military action by US President Donald Trump.

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday, the spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, reaffirmed her country’s support for the administration of President Bola Tinubu, describing Nigeria as a “comprehensive strategic partner.”

“As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions or force,” Mao said.

She added that China “firmly supports the Tinubu administration as it leads its people on the development path suited to its national conditions.”

Mao’s comments came in response to Trump’s threat to deploy US troops or conduct airstrikes in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.

Trump had claimed that Christians were being killed in large numbers in Nigeria and accused the government of failing to act — a statement that has sparked widespread condemnation and diplomatic backlash.

Nigeria has since rejected the military threat, describing it as an unacceptable violation of its sovereignty.

The government also dismissed allegations of systemic persecution, noting that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of violent attacks fueled by insurgency and communal clashes.