The Chinese government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and efforts to maintain national stability, declaring opposition to what it described as foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs.
China’s ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, made the declaration on Thursday following a meeting with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in Abuja.
In a statement posted on X, the ambassador said Beijing would “continue to stand firmly with Nigeria” as it tackles security and development challenges, adding that China “opposes any interference under the pretext of religion or human rights.”
“As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on a development path that fits the country’s national realities,” Dunhai said.
“We oppose any country’s interference in other countries’ internal affairs under the pretext of religion and human rights. We also oppose the wanton threat of sanctions and use of force.”
The envoy stressed that China’s partnership with Nigeria is built on mutual respect and non-interference, reaffirming Beijing’s willingness to
“continue supporting Nigeria in combating terrorism and maintaining domestic stability.”
His remarks come amid growing diplomatic tensions following a recent warning by the Chinese foreign ministry against any external meddling in Nigeria’s domestic matters.
Speaking earlier in Beijing, Mao Ning, spokesperson of China’s foreign ministry, cautioned against “threats or actions” targeted at Nigeria after former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly asked the U.S. Department of War to prepare for “possible action” in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
Trump had claimed there was a “killing of Christians” in Nigeria and urged the Nigerian government to act swiftly to stop it, a claim that Nigerian authorities have repeatedly denied.
The former U.S. president also reinstated Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), citing alleged Christian genocide — a move that sparked criticism from Nigerian officials and religious leaders who dismissed the claim as exaggerated and politically motivated.
Before Trump’s statement, some U.S. lawmakers had written to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging diplomatic action against Nigeria over alleged “systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians.”
Nigeria’s government has consistently maintained that conflicts in the country are largely driven by criminality, resource competition, and extremism — not religious persecution.
Meanwhile, observers see China’s renewed commitment as a significant boost to Nigeria’s counterterrorism diplomacy, especially at a time when global powers are divided over the country’s internal security policies.
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