China has issued a strong warning against foreign interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs, declaring its full support for the West African nation’s fight against terrorism amid growing tension following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of military action.
In a post on Thursday, November 6, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, said Beijing “firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people to a development path that fits Nigeria’s national realities.”
He wrote, “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 sanction and use of force.”
The ambassador said China would continue to assist Nigeria in combating terrorism and maintaining stability, reaffirming its stance as a “comprehensive strategic partner” of the country.
Dunhai’s statement followed his meeting with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, where discussions reportedly centred on counterterrorism cooperation and intelligence sharing.
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The declaration came days after Trump ordered the Pentagon to map out a possible plan of attack in Nigeria, claiming Christians were being massacred by “radical Islamists.”
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said, “The United States will attack and it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians.”
When pressed by reporters on whether this could mean ground troops or air strikes, he responded, “Could be, I mean, a lot of things — I envisage a lot of things.”
Despite the Nigerian government dismissing Trump’s claims and seeking diplomatic dialogue, the U.S. president doubled down, warning that Washington “will not allow the killing of Christians to continue.”
China’s message appears to place it directly at odds with Washington over how to address Nigeria’s security challenges, marking a rare moment of open disagreement between the world’s two major powers over Africa’s most populous nation.