By EMMANUEL YASHIM

China has expressed firm support for Nigeria amid tensions following U.S. criticism of the West African country’s handling of religious issues, declaring opposition to any external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in a statement published on the ministry’s website on Tuesday that China, as a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, supports the Nigerian government’s right to pursue a development path that aligns with its national realities.

The statement quoted Mao as speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing.

“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,” Mao said.

“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.”

Mao’s comments is coming in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” citing alleged persecution of Christian communities.

According to reports, Trump warned that the U.S. could suspend assistance to Nigeria or take military action if the Nigerian government “continues to condone the killing of Christians”.

On his Truth Social account, he warned that if Nigeria’s government “continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S. will immediately stop all aid and assistance … and 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.”

The post comes amid pressure from U.S. evangelical and conservative groups for stronger action on alleged religious persecution in Nigeria. (NAN)