The People’s Republic of China appear to have taken sides with the Nigerian government over US threats of possible sanctions or military action for alleged mass killings of Christians.
The Chinese position was made on Tuesday by a Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning during a press conference in Beijing.
“As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on the development path suited to its national conditions. 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 and force,” Ning said.
The remarks come after US President Donald Trump threatened Nigeria with sanctions or military measures, saying that Christianity faces an existential threat due to attacks by radical Islamic groups. Trump also designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
Nigeria Denies Genocide Allegations
President Bola Tinubu has rejected the claims, stating that Nigeria strictly upholds constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.
“The portrayals of Nigeria as facilitating Christian genocide do not reflect our national reality. We oppose religious persecution and do not encourage it,” he said in a recent statement.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that the country is committed to tackling violent extremism, which it described as fuelled by special interests in West Africa and the Sahel.
“Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so,” the Ministry added.
China’s position aligns with Nigeria’s position, reinforcing diplomatic support against perceived foreign interference.
Nigeria has neither welcomed nor commented on the diplomatic gesture
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