ISTANBUL

China on Tuesday "firmly" opposed the US using "religion and human rights" to interfere in Nigeria after Washington threatened possible military action against the West African country for the alleged "killing of Christians."

Beijing "firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries' internal affairs and threatening other countries with sanctions and force," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said during a news conference in Beijing.

"As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people" on the development path suited to its national conditions, she added.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened Nigeria with possible military action for the alleged "killing of Christians," after claiming that Christianity is facing an "existential threat" in Nigeria while accusing "radical Islamists" of being responsible for "mass slaughter."