The Chinese government has issued a stern warning against any form of external interference in Nigeria’s domestic affairs, following threats by United States President Donald Trump of possible military action over alleged persecution of Christians.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, November 4, the spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, said Beijing “firmly supports the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as it leads its people on the development path suited to its national conditions.”
Ning described Nigeria as China’s “comprehensive strategic partner,” stressing that Beijing stands by the West African nation amid growing international tension.
“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,” she said.
China’s remarks comes after Trump redesignated Nigeria as a ‘’Country of Particular Concern’ over what he described as a ‘’Christian genocide’ happening in Nigeria.
Related: Trump Orders Pentagon to Plan Action, Says U.S. May Cut Aid Over Killings of Christians in Nigeria
