The Chinese government has firmly opposed the United States' threat of military action against Nigeria, throwing its diplomatic weight behind President Bola Tinubu's administration and warning against foreign interference in the West African nation's internal affairs .
The statement from Beijing adds a significant geopolitical dimension to an international dispute sparked by US President Donald Trump's recent comments. Trump had threatened to cut off aid and prepare for potential military action in Nigeria, citing alleged genocide against Christians .
At a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning articulated China's position. "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," Ning stated . She emphasized China's support for the Nigerian government to lead its people on a development path that fits the country's unique national conditions .
The situation escalated over the weekend when President Trump issued a series of strong warnings. He described Nigeria as a "disgraced country" and instructed the US Department of War to prepare for "possible action" . Trump declared that if the Nigerian government "continues to allow the killing of Christians," the US would immediately stop all aid and might intervene with force, characterizing a potential attack as "fast, vicious, and sweet" . This followed his official redesignation of Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" for severe violations of religious freedom, a move that can trigger sanctions and other diplomatic consequences .
In response, the Nigerian government has consistently and firmly rejected the allegation of a Christian genocide. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, addressed the matter after a meeting with President Tinubu, calling the narrative an attempt by religious extremists to divide the nation . "We want to caution Nigerians to look deeper. This is a time for us to reflect on our nationhood... this is not the time for division," Idris told reporters . He assured the public that President Tinubu was calm and handling the situation with utmost seriousness, employing a multi-pronged approach that includes engaging international bodies and religious leaders within Nigeria .
Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, speaking from Berlin, reinforced this stance. He pointed to Nigeria's constitution to assert that state-backed religious persecution is "impossible" at any level of government in the country .
The Chinese endorsement strengthens Nigeria's diplomatic hand amid the pressure from Washington. China is a major economic partner and the largest lender to Nigeria, often positioning itself as a counterweight to Western influence in Africa . Analysts note that Beijing's public support for Abuja underscores the growing geopolitical rivalry between the US and China, with African nations as a key arena .
The international response has not been limited to China. The European Union also expressed solidarity with Nigeria. The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, stated that the EU respects Nigeria's sovereignty and constitutional commitment to religious neutrality . He pledged to enhance cooperation in peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, and security, distinguishing the EU's approach from the US threats .
Within the United States, Trump's threat was met with criticism from some lawmakers. Two members of the US parliament, Gregory Meeks and Sara Jacobs, described the comments as "irresponsible and reckless" . They argued that the complex violence in Nigeria is driven by factors like resource scarcity and land competition, not religion alone, and that threatening military intervention risks embroiling the US in another needless war .
Regionally, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) refuted the genocide claims. In a communiqué, the bloc described the allegations as false and dangerous attempts to sow division and fuel insecurity across West Africa . ECOWAS clarified that terrorist networks in the region indiscriminately target people of diverse faiths .
The situation places President Tinubu in a delicate position as he navigates both domestic pressures and a major diplomatic crisis with a key strategic partner . The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for Nigeria's internal security, its international partnerships, and the broader balance of influence in the region .