-
China opposes Washington’s threat of military action over alleged Christian persecution.
-
Chinese government says it firmly supports Nigeria’s sovereignty and development path.
-
US President Donald Trump had warned of “vicious” action if killings continue.
China has issued a strong warning to the United States, condemning any form of interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs following President Donald Trump’s threat of military action over alleged persecution of Christians.
Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday, Mao Ning, spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Beijing “firmly supports the Nigerian government as it leads its people on the development path suited to its national conditions.”
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
She added that China strongly opposes any country using religion or human rights as an excuse to threaten other nations with sanctions or military force.
“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,” Mao stated.
READ ALSO:China, US Agree to Resume Trade Talks Amid Tariff Tensions
Her comments came after Trump ordered the US Department of War to prepare for “possible action” in Nigeria, accusing the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians.
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA 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,” Trump said in a statement.
He further described Nigeria as a “disgraced country,” adding that the response would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”
Reacting to Trump’s threat, the Nigerian government dismissed the allegation of Christian genocide, insisting that the country upholds 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,” said President Bola Tinubu in a statement.
China’s warning also extended beyond Nigeria. Mao Ning criticised the US for its aggressive posturing in Latin America and the Caribbean, stressing that Beijing stands for peace and opposes unilateral enforcement operations against other nations’ vessels.
“We oppose moves that undermine peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean region, and hope the US will engage in normal law enforcement and judicial cooperation through legal frameworks,” she added.
