China has declared firm support for the Nigerian government, saying the country leads its people on the development path suited to its national conditions.
Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday, Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, stated that 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 and force.
Ning made the remarks in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat of military action against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
Beijing reacts to US threats
The Chinese spokesperson also addressed reports that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is seeking military equipment from China, Russia, and Iran in anticipation of possible U.S. aggression.
“China has a clear-cut stance on the U.S. cracking down on so-called ‘drug cartels’ by force in the Caribbean Sea,” Mao Ning said.
“China supports efforts to combat cross-border crimes through stronger international cooperation but opposes using or threatening to use force in international relations.”
She added that Beijing rejects any moves undermining peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean, urging Washington to pursue normal law enforcement and judicial cooperation through bilateral and multilateral legal frameworks.
Trump orders preparation for possible Nigeria invasion
On Saturday, President Trump instructed the U.S. Department of War to prepare for possible action in Nigeria, warning the Nigerian government to act fast to end the killing of Christians.
“If the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria and may very well go into that now disgraced country ‘guns-a-blazing’ to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists,” Trump said.
The Nigerian government, however, has strongly rejected claims of a Christian genocide.
