The position of the Chinese government was presented at a press conference by the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, emphasizing Beijing's support for Nigeria's sovereignty and development and warning against foreign interference.
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What threats has Donald Trump made against Nigeria?
How did China react to Trump's threats?
Who is the spokesman of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs?
What investments has China made in Nigeria?
Donald Trump's threats against Nigeria
This statement came at a time of increasing tensions between the United States and Nigeria after U.S. President Donald Trump accused the government in Abuja of failing to protect Christians and threatened to withhold aid and take military action
In Beijing's position, Republican Congressman Riley M. Moore responded almost immediately, writing on the X platform that The United States will not bow to Beijing's pressure and must defend Christians in the face of brutal attacks in Nigeria. He also added that China will not dictate US foreign policy.
Cooperation between China and Nigeria
Nigeria is one of China's most important African partners play a key role in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Chinese companies have made massive investments in infrastructure, energy and mining projects in this West African country. And they have invested over USD 1.3 billion in the Nigerian lithium processing industry alone since September 2023, as revealed by the Nigerian Minister of Development, Dele Alake, at the end of October.
Last Friday, Trump accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians and threatened to withhold aid and take military action. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has rejected these accusations, reaffirming the country's commitment to religious freedom. On Tuesday, Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar argued that state involvement in religious persecution is impossible in Nigeria because the constitution prohibits it.
