China has declared its support for the Nigerian government, saying it backs the country’s right to pursue its own path of development based on its national conditions.
At a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday, Mao Ning, spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: “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 was responding to questions regarding US President Donald Trump’s threat of military action against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
She also addressed reports that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is seeking military equipment from China, Russia, and Iran to prepare for possible US attacks.
“China has a clear-cut stance on the US cracking down on so-called ‘drug cartels’ by force in the Caribbean Sea,” Mao said.
“China supports efforts to combat cross-border crimes through stronger international cooperation and opposes the use or threat of force in international relations.
“We stand against actions that undermine peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean region, and oppose unilateral and excessive ‘enforcement operations’ against other countries’ vessels.
“We hope the US will engage in normal law enforcement and judicial cooperation through bilateral and multilateral legal frameworks.”
On Saturday, Trump directed the US Department of War to prepare for “possible action” in Nigeria, warning the Nigerian government to act swiftly to stop the alleged “killing of Christians.”
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing’, to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” Trump said.
“I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!”
The Nigerian government has consistently dismissed claims of a Christian genocide in the country.
In response to Trump’s remarks, President Bola Tinubu maintained that Nigeria remains committed to religious freedom and tolerance.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians.
Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.”
