Trump’s Threat: Don’t Use Religion as Pretext to Pressure Nigeria – China To US

The People’s Republic of China has firmly rejected external interference in the domestic affairs of Nigeria and expressed strong support for the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The message came via a press briefing held on Tuesday in Beijing.

At the briefing, Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, was asked to comment on the recent threat by Donald Trump, in which the United States labelled Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged genocide against Christians and threatened military action.

Mao Ning described Nigeria as a “comprehensive strategic partner” of China and declared Beijing’s opposition to any state using the pretexts of religion or human rights to intrude into other countries’ internal matters or apply force.

“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.”

Her remarks came amid mounting international tension following the U.S. threat and questions about the role of global powers in Africa.

U.S. threat to Nigeria triggers diplomatic support for Abuja

On Friday and in subsequent statements, Trump accused the Nigerian government of allowing the killing of Christians and ordered the U.S. Department of War to prepare for possible action, including boots-on-the-ground operations and airstrikes.

The Tinubu administration strongly rejected the genocide narrative, stating that the portrayal of Nigeria as religiously intolerant did not reflect reality. Despite that, the U.S. threat sparked significant diplomatic fallout.

Against this backdrop, China’s unequivocal backing of Nigeria signals a larger international realignment of influence, with emerging powers like China and Russia widening their presence in African nations. Analysts suggest that the U.S. threat may also be linked to Nigeria’s deepening ties with China.

China’s public support is a diplomatic boost for the Tinubu administration at a sensitive time. The message reinforces Nigeria’s right to choose its own development path and challenges Western pressure framed in the language of human rights and religion.

China’s stance provides Abuja with strategic leverage and highlights alternative external partnerships beyond the traditional Western-led security and aid frameworks.