The Peoples Republic of China has kicked against interference with Nigeria’s affair, expressing support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Mao Ning, spokesperson of China’s Foreign Ministry, said this while reacting to the threat President Donald Trump issued against Nigeria recently.
Trump, who alleged that there is an ongoing genocide against Christians in Nigeria, had labelled Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern”.
He had also accused the Federal Government of turning a blind eye to the alleged persecution of Christians, a claim that President Tinubu countered, explaining that such has no place in Nigeria.
Rather than listen to the Nigerian leader’s explanation, Trump asked the US Department of War to prepare for action in Nigeria.
He later said many options were on ground, including “boots on ground”, airstrikes, amongst others.
At a press briefing on Tuesday, Ning was asked to respond to the development.
“It’s reported that U.S. President Donald Trump said he named Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” because Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement said that the allegations do not reflect the true situation in Nigeria. Trump said the U.S. will immediately cut off all assistance to Nigeria if the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians and will very likely launch military operations. What’s China’s comment?” the Chinese government spokesperson was asked.
Responding, she said, “As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on the development path suited to its national conditions. 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.”
Some analysts had traced the US threat to the growing influence of China in Nigeria.
The relationship between The West and smaller countries has reportedly been threatened by China, Russia and other emerging World Powers.
