By Passman Akpos
In a strongly worded open letter that has sparked both domestic and international debate, Nigerian activist General Asabuja has written directly to President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China, urging Beijing to refrain from interfering in global efforts—particularly from the United States—to address what he described as “persistent genocide” and “state-enabled extermination” of Nigerians.
The letter, titled “To His Excellency, the President of the People’s Republic of China,” accuses China of prioritizing its economic and strategic interests over the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria, especially in light of Beijing’s recent caution against foreign intervention following U.S. President Donald Trump’s offer of direct action to halt terrorist attacks in the country.
A Plea for Humanity Over Diplomacy
General Asabuja, writing “as a voice representing millions of Nigerians,” expressed frustration over China’s stance, describing it as a cold, transactional posture in the face of widespread suffering.
> “While the wheels of global trade turn, lubricating your business interests, innocent Nigerians are not just dying—they are being exterminated,” the activist declared.
“The economy of blood is thriving over the economy of life. From the North to the South, our citizens are being cut down by orchestrated violence with a level of impunity that suggests high-level political sponsorship and state complicity.”
He lamented that “our sovereignty has been mortgaged to debt diplomacy,” accusing the Nigerian government of allowing foreign influence to overshadow the urgency of protecting lives and property.
A Direct Challenge to China’s Non-Interference Policy
The letter directly challenges Beijing’s long-standing foreign policy of non-interference, arguing that such a principle becomes morally void when a government “fails in its primary duty to protect life and property.”
> “When a humanitarian crisis is born, and the suffering of the masses becomes an international moral emergency, silence becomes complicity,” Asabuja wrote.
“If President Donald Trump offers direct intervention to halt terrorists slaughtering Christians and vulnerable groups, this should not be a cause for diplomatic alarm in Beijing.”
The activist accused China of being more concerned about “safeguarding its investments and debt-servicing pipeline” than the “unending funerals” in Nigerian communities ravaged by violence.
“Our Sovereignty Is Not for Sale”
In his concluding remarks, General Asabuja called on China to “step aside” from discussions surrounding Nigeria’s internal security, demanding that the international community be allowed to assist in addressing the ongoing atrocities.
> “We appreciate your financial contributions to our infrastructure, but we demand that you step aside from the discussion of our national security,” he wrote.
“Allow the necessary diplomatic, intelligence, or even military interventions to take place if they are what it takes to save the lives of our people.”
He further promised that once stability and governance are restored, Nigeria will “honour and complete every single loan obligation,” asserting that “our sovereignty is not for sale, and our lives are non-negotiable.”
Global Reactions and Context
The letter comes amid escalating diplomatic tension between Nigeria, the United States, and China, following President Trump’s recent redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over “years of Christian persecution.” Beijing, in response, reportedly warned against any foreign interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs, framing it as a potential threat to African sovereignty and stability.
Observers note that General Asabuja’s letter reflects growing frustration among civil society groups over foreign policy maneuvering that appears detached from the daily realities of insecurity, hunger, and displacement affecting millions of Nigerians.
As of press time, the Chinese Embassy in Abuja had not issued an official response to the activist’s open letter.
