China has strongly opposed the recent threat by former U.S. President Donald Trump to take military action against Nigeria, describing it as an unacceptable interference in the country’s internal affairs.
Trump had over the weekend accused the Nigerian government of committing genocide against Christians and warned that the U.S. could suspend aid or launch military intervention if the alleged killings continued.
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, in a statement published on the ministry’s website, reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Nigeria’s sovereignty and right to determine its own development path without external interference.
“As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on a development path that fits its national realities.
We oppose any country’s interference in other nations’ internal affairs under the pretext of religion and human rights. We reject the wanton threat of sanctions or the use of force,” Mao stated.
The statement came as the Federal Government of Nigeria dismissed the genocide allegations, describing them as the handiwork of religious extremists seeking to divide the nation.
Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the National Assembly would take up the issue with the executive arm of government, noting that the matter concerns Nigeria’s foreign policy and diplomatic relations.
Various stakeholders — including the Northern States Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, and the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) — have also urged Nigerians to unite against the U.S. threat and protect the nation’s sovereignty.
U.S. Lawmakers Condemn Trump’s Remarks
Two senior members of the U.S. Congress, Gregory W. Meeks (Ranking Member, House Foreign Affairs Committee) and Sara Jacobs (Ranking Member, Africa Subcommittee), have denounced Trump’s comments as “irresponsible and reckless.”
In a joint statement released on Monday, the lawmakers faulted Trump’s decision to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC),” saying it oversimplifies the complex causes of violence in the country.
“The designation ignores the complex reality of violence in Nigeria. Clashes between farmers and herders are largely driven by resource scarcity and land competition—not religion alone,” they noted.
They stressed that terrorist groups and bandits have attacked both Christians and Muslims, particularly in northern Nigeria, where insecurity remains a major challenge.
“All Nigerians deserve protection, and we know President Tinubu recognises the importance of inter-faith harmony and is working to address this challenge,” the statement added.
The lawmakers further criticised Trump’s threat to “defend Christians” through potential military action, warning that such rhetoric could drag the U.S. into an unnecessary conflict.
“It is incredibly irresponsible of President Trump to threaten military action. Providing security support is one thing; threatening intervention is another. Such comments risk embroiling the United States in another needless war,” they said.
They also cautioned against any attempt to cut U.S. aid to Nigeria, noting that doing so would weaken critical humanitarian and development programmes essential to combating insurgency.
“Trump’s aid cuts have blocked much-needed emergency nutrition and livelihoods training — programmes vital to addressing the root causes of instability,” the lawmakers concluded.