By Nkechi Eze
The People’s Republic of China has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Nigeria’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts and its quest to sustain internal peace and stability.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, made this known on Thursday in a post on his official X account after meeting with the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Ambassador Dunhai noted that since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s participation at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and his subsequent state visit to China last year, bilateral relations between both nations have deepened across several sectors. He said the growing partnership has produced tangible results that continue to strengthen Nigeria’s socioeconomic development and improve citizens’ welfare.
“As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people along a development path that suits Nigeria’s national realities,” the envoy stated.
Dunhai also stressed China’s firm opposition to any external interference in Nigeria’s domestic affairs, particularly those disguised as concerns over 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. China is willing to continue supporting Nigeria in combating terrorism and maintaining domestic stability,” he added.
His comments come amid renewed global attention on Nigeria’s security challenges, following threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump to deploy American troops to Nigeria if alleged persecution of Christians was not stopped.
In a related development, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also voiced its opposition to foreign interference in Nigeria’s internal matters during a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday. The ministry’s spokesperson, Mao Ning, said every sovereign nation reserves the right to handle its domestic issues without coercion or external pressure.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has repeatedly rejected allegations of religious persecution or genocide, insisting that its security operations target terrorists and criminal elements undermining national unity. Authorities also criticized 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 security challenges stem from terrorism, not religion, stressing that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of extremist violence.
Trump, however, reiterated on Wednesday that he would halt aid and assistance to Nigeria if the alleged persecution of Christians continues unchecked.
