China has expressed firm support for Nigeria following U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning of possible military intervention over alleged religious persecution.
At a press briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reaffirmed China’s strong backing for Nigeria’s sovereignty and development path, cautioning against foreign interference “under the guise of human rights or religion.”
The statement came amid rising tensions after Trump accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians and threatened to cut aid and take military action.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu dismissed the accusations, restating the country’s commitment to religious freedom.
China’s support for Nigeria also reflects major economic interests.
Nigeria is an important partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, with Chinese firms investing heavily in the country’s infrastructure, energy, and mining sectors.
According to the Brookings Institution, Nigeria ranks among the top African destinations for Chinese foreign direct investment, especially in oil, natural gas, and solid minerals such as lithium and gold.
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In May 2025, the Chinese Ambassador in Abuja met with Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, saying that mining cooperation between both nations has achieved “remarkable achievements and enormous potential.”
Since September 2023, Chinese companies have invested over $1.3 billion in Nigeria’s lithium processing industry alone, according to Business Insider Africa.
These investments support Nigeria’s plan to diversify its economy beyond oil, develop industrial value chains, and expand into green energy minerals like lithium, rare earths, and lead-zinc through Chinese funding, technology, and joint ventures.
China’s recognition of Nigeria as a “comprehensive strategic partner” highlights a deeper, long-term commitment to shared economic growth.
By standing against U.S. pressure, Beijing is not only defending an ally but also protecting its investments and access to key natural resources.
As competition grows between world powers for influence in Africa, Nigeria has become a central focus.
While the U.S. emphasizes human rights concerns, China continues to strengthen its ties through infrastructure and resource diplomacy, positioning itself as a dependable partner in Nigeria’s development efforts.
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Image Credit: African Initative
