The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has reiterated China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in combating terrorism and maintaining peace.
Dunhai made this known in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday after meeting with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
He said China, as Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, firmly supports the country’s efforts toward achieving a development path that reflects its national realities.
“As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on a development path that fits Nigeria’s national realities,” Dunhai stated.
“We oppose any country’s interference in other nations’ internal affairs under the pretext of religion or 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 also condemned attempts by foreign powers to interfere in Nigeria’s internal affairs, particularly on religious grounds.
Meanwhile, at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, cautioned against external interference in Nigeria’s domestic issues.
Ning’s comment followed reports of threats by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who allegedly directed the U.S. Department of Defense to prepare for possible military action in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
Trump, who also redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC),” accused the Nigerian government of failing to stop what he described as the “killing of Christians.”
The Nigerian government, however, has repeatedly dismissed such allegations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.