China has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s administration, warning the United States against any form of interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Nigeria’s sovereignty, describing the West African nation as “a comprehensive strategic partner.”

Ning stressed that China stands with Nigeria as it pursues a development path that reflects its national realities.

“As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion or human rights as a pretext to meddle in other nations’ internal matters or to threaten them with sanctions and military force,” she said.

The remark comes in response to US President Donald Trump’s recent threat of possible military action against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.