“China 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,” Mao said.

Trump made the remarks during a rally in Florida, citing reports of violence against Christian groups in northern and central Nigeria. Abuja swiftly rejected the comments, insisting the country upholds constitutional protections for religious freedom and denouncing what it called unwarranted external interference. Analysts also note that many victims of violence in northern Nigeria are Muslims.

During the briefing, Mao extended condolences to North Korea following the death of Kim Yong-nam, former president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly.