BEIJING — China has issued a strong rebuke to the United States following threats by President Donald Trump to launch military action against Nigeria over alleged religious persecution. The Chinese government said it firmly supports Nigeria’s sovereignty and opposes foreign interference under the guise of human rights advocacy.
At a press briefing Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning criticized Washington’s rhetoric, calling it destabilizing and unjustified. “China firmly supports the Nigerian government as it leads its people on a development path suited to its national conditions,” Ning said.
The remarks came in response to Trump’s statement on Truth Social, where he warned that the U.S. could “go into Nigeria guns-a-blazing” if the Nigerian government failed to stop what he described as the “killing of Christians.” He also threatened to halt all aid and instructed the Department of War to prepare for “possible action.”
Ning said China opposes the use of religion and human rights as pretexts for coercive diplomacy. “We reject any country threatening others with sanctions or force. Such actions undermine international stability and violate the principles of sovereign equality,” she added.
The Chinese official also addressed reports that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is seeking military support from China, Russia, and Iran amid concerns over U.S. enforcement operations in the Caribbean. Ning reiterated China’s opposition to unilateral military actions and called for legal cooperation through multilateral frameworks.
In Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu responded to Trump’s comments by defending the country’s record on religious freedom. “The characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” Tinubu said. “We remain committed to safeguarding freedom of belief for all citizens.”
Tinubu emphasized that religious tolerance is a foundational value in Nigeria’s diverse society. He rejected claims of Christian genocide and reaffirmed the government’s efforts to protect all religious communities from violence and discrimination.
The Nigerian government has consistently denied allegations of systemic persecution, citing ongoing security operations against extremist groups in the country’s northeast. Officials say attacks by insurgents have targeted both Christian and Muslim populations.
Trump’s remarks have drawn criticism from international observers who warn that inflammatory language could escalate tensions. Analysts say the situation underscores the need for diplomatic engagement rather than threats of military intervention.
As global powers weigh in, the episode highlights the complex intersection of religion, security, and foreign policy in Africa’s most populous nation. Both China and Nigeria have called for restraint and respect for national sovereignty in addressing human rights concerns.
