ABUJa — China yesterday rejected the United States’ threat to take military action against Nigeria, saying it is firmly opposed to any external interference in the country’s internal affairs.
The Chinese government’s stance came on a day the Federal Government said religious extremists are behind the narrative alleging genocide against Christians, warning that their goal is to divide the nation.
This is even as the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said yesterday that because of the need to take a co-ordinated national response to Trump’s threat, the Senate will take the matter to the executive arm of government, especially as the issue in question bordered on foreign policy and diplomatic relations.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, who stated his country’s position in a statement published on the ministry’s website yesterday, said China, as a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, is in support of the Nigerian government’s right to pursue a development path that aligns with its national realities.
He said: “As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on a development path that fits Nigeria’s national realities.
“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.”
Mao’s comments is coming in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” citing alleged persecution of Christian communities.
Trump warned that the U.S. could suspend assistance to Nigeria or take military action if the Nigerian government “continues to condone the killing of Christians.”
