China’s envoy to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has reiterated Beijing’s backing for Nigeria’s battle against terrorism, while issuing a caution against external meddling in the nation’s domestic matters.
Dunhai delivered these statements in a release after conferring with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. He stated that China “firmly supports” Nigeria’s advancement initiatives and endorses the administration’s implementation of strategies that correspond with “Nigeria’s national realities.”
“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,” Dunhai remarked.
He further noted that China “opposes any country’s interference in other countries’ internal affairs under the pretext of religion and human rights,” dismissing what he portrayed as dangers of penalties or the application of military power.
“China is willing to continue supporting Nigeria in combating terrorism and maintaining domestic stability,” he declared.
The envoy’s observations mirrored a caution released on Tuesday, November 4, by Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, who advised against outside involvement when addressing inquiries regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning of armed intervention in Nigeria concerning supposed mistreatment of Christians.
On Saturday, Trump directed the U.S. Department of War to get ready for “possible action” in Nigeria and advised Abuja to respond swiftly to halt the “killing of Christians.” He had previously reclassified Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) pursuant to U.S. legislation.
His statements came after appeals from various U.S. legislators pressing Secretary of State Marco Rubio to pursue diplomatic measures against Nigeria over what they labeled as the “systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians.”
The Nigerian authorities have consistently refuted assertions of Christian genocide, maintaining that the nation’s security issues are not delineated along religious divisions.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
