China has reaffirmed its strong commitment to bolstering Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and expanding bilateral trade ties, while firmly opposing any external interference in the country’s internal affairs. The pledge came from Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, following a high-level meeting with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, underscoring deepening strategic partnership between the two nations at a time of heightened international scrutiny over Nigeria’s security challenges.
In a detailed statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Ambassador Dunhai highlighted the tangible progress in China-Nigeria relations since President Bola Tinubu’s participation in the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and his state visit to China last year.
“Great to meet with Mr. Mallam Nuhu Ribadu @NuhuRibadu, National Security Advisor of Nigeria. Since President Tinubu’s attendance at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and his state visit to China last year, practical cooperation between our two countries across various fields has yielded fruitful outcomes, effectively supporting Nigeria’s socioeconomic development and the improvement of people’s livelihoods,” Dunhai wrote.
The ambassador positioned China as a “comprehensive strategic partner” of Nigeria, explicitly backing the Tinubu administration’s development agenda tailored to local 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,” he stated, emphasizing Beijing’s role in enhancing security cooperation to combat terrorism and foster sustainable peace.
Dunhai’s remarks carry added weight amid recent threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned of potential American military intervention in Nigeria over alleged attacks on Christians, describing any response as “fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians.”
In a pointed rebuke, the Chinese envoy rejected such external pressures, particularly those cloaked in religious or human rights pretexts. “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,” he declared. “China is willing to continue supporting Nigeria in combating terrorism and maintaining domestic stability.”
The timing of China’s solidarity aligns with ongoing efforts to upgrade military and economic ties, including local arms production and training programs to counter groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP. This comes as Nigeria navigates a complex security landscape, with recent banditry and terror incidents underscoring the urgency of international partnerships that respect sovereignty. As trade expansion and anti-terrorism collaboration deepen, Dunhai’s pledge signals Beijing’s intent to stand firmly with Abuja against both domestic threats and foreign meddling.
