The People’s Republic of China has restated its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism and maintaining internal stability.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, made this known in a statement on Thursday via his official X account following a meeting with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Dunhai said China supports the Nigerian government in its developmental plans that ‘fit Nigeria’s national realities’.
‘Great to meet with Mr. Mallam Nuhu Ribadu @NuhuRibadu, National Security Advisor of Nigeria.
‘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, effectively supporting Nigeria’s socioeconomic development and the improvement of people’s livelihoods.
‘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’, he wrote.
Dunhai emphasised that China stands firmly against any form of external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs, particularly those disguised as concerns for 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’, the ambassador added.
The remarks come amid renewed global attention on Nigeria’s security challenges following recent threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened to deploy American military forces to Nigeria if the alleged genocide against Christians was not stopped.
Meanwhile, China on Tuesday declared its support for Nigeria, saying it opposes any foreign interference under the guise of religion or human rights.
During a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday, the spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, also cautioned against foreign interference in Nigeria’s domestic issues.
Ning said China believes that every nation has the right to address its internal matters without external coercion or threats.
The Nigerian government has consistently denied claims of religious persecution or genocide, insisting that its security operations target criminal groups and terrorist networks threatening national peace and unity.
It also rejected its inclusion on the US list of countries violating religious freedom, insisting that such a designation stems from “inaccurate data and misrepresentation” of the nation’s security challenges.
The government clarified that Nigeria faces terrorism, not religious persecution, and that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from extremist violence.
On Wednesday evening, Trump reiterated his willingness to stop aid and assistance to Nigeria if the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria continues unchecked.
