Key Points
- Beijing rejects outside force tied to religion or rights. It says such pressure breaches core sovereign equality norms.
- Donald Trump reportedly threatened military action over Christian persecution. A presidential aide rejects the claim and urges cooperation.
- Nigeria says no foreign troops will operate on its soil. Support should focus on intelligence sharing and equipment supply.
China has backed Nigeria’s sovereignty after new tension with Washington. The foreign ministry warned against force dressed up as rights policing.
Spokesperson Mao Ning set out the stance in Beijing on Tuesday. She said no state should exploit religion to bully another state.
Her remarks followed claims that Donald Trump threatened military action. He tied the move to alleged attacks on Christians in Nigeria. See our report on Trump strike threat.
What China said
Mao said China opposes power games masked as faith defence. She stressed equal respect for each country’s path and choices. Beijing frames Nigeria as a strategic partner on development and security.
Nigeria’s position and response
Aso Rock says no foreign troops will operate on Nigerian soil. Presidential aide Daniel Bwala welcomed tools and intelligence, not boots. He said the threat came from misinformation pushed by separatist groups.
Bwala also urged Washington to help with gear for counter-terror work. He advised deeper training pipelines for police and the armed forces. He asked partners to share live intelligence on bandits and extremists.
Faith leaders remain split on how to weigh recent violence. Some cite rural raids by militants across the north. Others warn politics can distort raw numbers and contexts.
Nigeria earlier rejected a move to brand it a concern country. Officials said rights are protected for all faiths nationwide. Read our Nigeria rejects concern tag claim.
China and Nigeria share deep trade ties and infrastructure deals. Non-interference is a long-held plank of Chinese foreign policy. Analysts say that stance aligns with Abuja’s sovereignty message today.
The U.S. government has not issued a formal plan on Nigeria. Trump’s remarks surfaced through interviews and allied statements this week. Any shift would still require legal and diplomatic steps in Washington.
Bwala blamed separatists, especially IPOB, for spreading false genocide talk. Security experts say claims often spike during election cycles. They urge fact-checks before foreign policy hardens around viral posts.
For now, China backs dialogue and Nigeria’s lead on its security. Abuja signals it welcomes help that respects its red lines. All eyes rest on Washington as partners weigh their next steps.
