By Erewunmi Peace

The People’s Republic of China, through Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning, expressed firm backing for Nigeria and its government amid heightened diplomatic tensions with the United States. “As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on the development path suited to its national conditions,” Mao said in a press briefing in Beijing.
She also added: “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 sanction and use of force.”

On October 31, 2025, the U.S. designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), citing alleged mass killings of Christians.
Shortly afterwards, former U.S. President Donald Trump warned that if Nigeria does not act to curb the violence, the U.S. “may very well … go into that now-disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”

In response to this threat, China called for restraint and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.

The Nigerian government has denied that the violence is exclusively targeted at Christians, and insists its commitment to religious freedom remains intact.
China’s intervention underlines its broader foreign-policy principle of opposing external interference — especially when framed under religion or human-rights pretexts. Analysts say this stance also strengthens China-Nigeria ties in the context of Africa’s evolving geopolitical landscape.

Whether the U.S. follows through on its warning of military action or sanctions, and how Nigeria responds diplomatically or militarily.

How China’s support impacts Nigeria’s diplomatic manoeuvring and the broader relationship between China and Western powers in Africa.

The domestic security situation in Nigeria — how violence impacts faith communities, and how the government addresses the concerns raised.

China’s public backing of Nigeria amid U.S. threats marks a significant diplomatic moment. While the U.S. has escalated pressure on Nigeria over alleged religious-based violence, China’s intervention emphasises national sovereignty and offers Abuja a supportive voice on the global stage.