China Backs Nigeria, Rejects US Military Threat Over Christian Persecution Claims

China has thrown its weight behind Nigeria amid rising diplomatic tension with the United States, cautioning against foreign interference after Washington threatened possible military action over alleged persecution of Christians in the country.

At a briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reaffirmed China’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, insisting that Nigeria has the right to chart its own development path without external pressure or sanctions.

Mao criticised attempts by world powers to use religion and human rights as justification for intervention, warning that such tactics undermine sovereignty and global stability.

“As Nigeria’s strategic partner, China firmly opposes the use of religion or human rights as a pretext to intrude into another nation’s internal affairs or to issue threats of military force,” she said.

The remark follows comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently warned that Washington could consider deploying troops or launching airstrikes if alleged attacks against Christians in Nigeria are not halted. The Nigerian government has already dismissed the claims, insisting that ongoing insecurity affects citizens of all faiths.

Beijing’s position signals a tightening diplomatic alignment between China and African governments wary of Western pressure, particularly on governance and human rights issues.

Neither Abuja nor Washington has issued a fresh formal response to China’s statement as of press time.