China Condemns U.S. Threat of Intervention in Nigeria Over Religious Claims

China has strongly opposed the United States’ threat of possible military intervention in Nigeria, accusing Washington of using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in another country’s internal affairs.

According to China Daily, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made this known during a press briefing on Tuesday, reiterating that Beijing rejects any form of foreign interference under the guise of human rights advocacy.

“As a comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people to follow a development path suited to its national conditions,” Mao said. “We oppose any country using religion or human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs and reject threats of sanctions or military coercion.”

Her remarks followed the U.S. State Department’s listing of Nigeria among countries accused of failing to protect religious freedoms — a move revived under President Donald Trump’s administration. Washington cited alleged mass killings of Christians, a claim that Nigerian authorities have firmly denied.

Over the weekend, President Trump announced that he had directed the U.S. Department of Defense to prepare for possible military action in Nigeria, accusing the Nigerian government of neglecting Christian persecution. In a post on social media, he described the situation as a “mass slaughter” and warned that the U.S. would halt all aid to Nigeria unless immediate measures were taken.

Reacting to the U.S. claims, President Bola Tinubu dismissed the characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant, calling it a distortion of reality. He maintained that his administration is committed to protecting freedom of religion and belief across all communities.

In a statement, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the U.S. position as “a gross exaggeration of the Nigerian situation,” adding that incidents of violence affect both Christians and Muslims. He urged the U.S. government to assist Nigeria in tackling terrorism and violent extremism rather than issuing threats or condemnations.