China has reaffirmed its backing for Nigeria and denounced what it described as U.S. interference in the country’s internal affairs following Washington’s criticism of Nigeria’s handling of religious tensions.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters at a regular briefing in Beijing on Tuesday that Beijing remains firmly opposed to the use of religion or human rights as a pretext to pressure other nations.
“China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on a development path that fits its national realities,” Mao said in a statement released on the ministry’s website.
“We oppose any country’s interference in other countries’ internal affairs under the pretext of religion and human rights. We oppose the wanton threat of sanctions and the use of force,” she added.
Her comments follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent declaration naming Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over alleged persecution of Christians. Trump warned that the U.S. could withdraw assistance or take military action if killings of Christians continued.
His remarks have sparked renewed debate and pressure from U.S.-based evangelical groups urging Washington to take firmer action on religious freedom in Africa’s most populous nation.
