Nigeria Is Turning Into a U.S.-China Battleground

Trump’s threats leave Nigerians worried about superpower intentions.

Two men, Tinubu and Xi, are seen in profile as they shake hands and smile at each other in front of long wood desks. Both men are dressed formally. November 20, 2025, 3:14 PM Comment icon View Comments ( )

After U.S. President Donald Trump threatened military action against Nigeria over the alleged persecution of Christians by Islamic insurgents, China has stepped in to oppose Trump’s actions—deepening the contest between Washington and Beijing for the allegiance of Africa’s most populous country.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Nov. 4, “As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion an

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