China Backs Nigeria Amid US Threats Over Alleged Christian Persecution

China has expressed strong support for Nigeria amid US threats over alleged Christian persecution. Chinese officials opposed using religion as a pretext for interference, emphasizing respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty. Nigeria has rejected the US claims, highlighting that ongoing conflicts affect both Christians and Muslims, and reaffirmed its commitment to religious tolerance and national unity.

China has reaffirmed its strong support for Nigeria amid rising tensions with the United States over allegations of religious persecution in the West African country. US President Donald Trump recently claimed that Christianity in Nigeria faces an “existential threat,” warning that the United States could send military forces “guns-a-blazing” if the Nigerian government fails to address what he described as acts of religiously motivated violence. In addition, Trump announced that Nigeria would be added to a U.S. State Department “watch list,” signaling potential diplomatic and economic consequences if the situation was not addressed to Washington’s satisfaction.

Nigerian authorities have strongly rejected these accusations, describing them as baseless and misrepresentative of the realities on the ground. Officials have emphasized that Nigeria’s population, which is roughly evenly split between a predominantly Muslim north and a Christian-majority south, faces complex security challenges that affect both religious communities. Ongoing conflicts, including insurgencies, banditry, and localized violence, have resulted in casualties among both Christians and Muslims, making claims of targeted religious persecution misleading according to Abuja.

Responding to the growing tensions, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed the situation during a press briefing on Tuesday, voicing Beijing’s unwavering support for Nigeria. “China firmly opposes any country using religion or human rights as a pretext to interfere in the internal affairs of other nations or to threaten them with sanctions or force,” Mao said. She underscored that China respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and fully supports the Nigerian government as it pursues its chosen development path without external pressure or interference.

The statement highlights China’s broader diplomatic stance against foreign intervention under the guise of religious or human rights concerns. Mao’s remarks reflect Beijing’s position on maintaining international stability and respecting national sovereignty, particularly in regions where internal security and governance are complex and multifaceted.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, continues to navigate challenges stemming from deep-seated social, ethnic, and religious dynamics. While the country has faced conflicts across different regions, these disputes have generally affected communities indiscriminately rather than targeting one particular faith group. Analysts note that oversimplifying these conflicts as religious persecution can exacerbate tensions and undermine Nigeria’s efforts to maintain national unity and stability.

China’s support sends a clear signal that it stands with Nigeria amid international pressure, emphasizing the importance of non-interference, respect for sovereignty, and collaborative development. As diplomatic and public scrutiny intensifies, Nigeria continues to affirm its commitment to religious tolerance, national cohesion, and addressing security challenges in a balanced and inclusive manner.