China Backs Tinubu, Condemns U.S. Threat of Military Action in Nigeria
By Passman Akpos
Beijing, Tuesday – The Chinese government has declared its firm support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing that Nigeria has the right to determine its own development path without external interference.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Beijing “firmly supports the Tinubu administration as it leads its people on the development path suited to its national conditions.”
Ning’s remarks came in response to questions about recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that American troops could be deployed to Nigeria if the government fails to stop the killing of Christians by Islamist extremists.
“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,” Mao said.
The spokesperson reaffirmed China’s longstanding principle of non-interference, adding that every nation should be allowed to manage its domestic affairs independently.
Beijing and Abuja have maintained close diplomatic and economic ties over the years, with China being a major investor in Nigeria’s infrastructure and energy sectors. Analysts say Tuesday’s statement signals Beijing’s readiness to counter growing Western pressure on the Tinubu government amid rising international scrutiny over religious and human rights issues.
While Washington insists its concerns stem from mounting reports of violence against Christians in Nigeria’s north, Beijing’s response underscores a widening divide between the U.S. and China over global governance and foreign policy priorities in Africa.
