The People’s Republic of China has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and efforts to maintain internal stability.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, disclosed this on Thursday via his official X account after meeting with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Dunhai said China remains a “comprehensive strategic partner” of Nigeria and fully supports the Tinubu administration’s development plans that align with Nigeria’s national realities.
“Since President Tinubu’s attendance at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and his state visit to China last year, practical cooperation between our two countries across various fields has yielded fruitful outcomes,” he said.
“As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people to a development path that fits Nigeria’s national realities.”
The envoy also stressed that Beijing stands firmly against any form of foreign interference in Nigeria’s internal matters, especially under the guise of promoting religion or human rights.
“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,” Dunhai added.
“China is willing to continue supporting Nigeria in combating terrorism and maintaining domestic stability.”
The statement comes amid renewed international attention on Nigeria’s security situation, following recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened to deploy American forces to Nigeria if the alleged persecution of Christians was not addressed.
China had earlier, through its Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, issued a similar warning from Beijing, saying the Asian nation opposes any external interference in Nigeria’s domestic affairs.
According to Ning, every country has the right to handle its internal matters without “external coercion or threats.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has repeatedly rejected claims of religious persecution, insisting that its military operations target terrorists and criminal networks threatening national peace and unity.
Officials have also dismissed Nigeria’s inclusion on the U.S. list of countries violating religious freedom, describing it as “inaccurate and misleading.”
The government maintains that Nigeria’s challenge is terrorism — not religion, stressing that both Christians and Muslims have fallen victim to extremist violence.
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