Nigerian public affairs commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has called on former United States President Donald Trump to stop intimidating weaker countries and instead focus on responding to China’s growing global challenge.
Shehu made the statement on Sunday in a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, where he praised China for what he described as an act of “boldness and courage” in standing up to the United States.
According to Shehu, while many world leaders appear to fear or bow to America’s influence, China has continued to resist what it perceives as U.S. dominance in global affairs.
“While some world leaders submit to America or fear it, China sees America as a country pushing its luck too far,” Shehu wrote.
He added that Washington should pay more attention to China’s defiance rather than use its military and political power to bully smaller nations into submission, especially in regions rich in natural resources.
Shehu’s post came in reaction to a viral video circulating online, in which Chinese military officials warned that the country would retaliate swiftly if attacked by the United States.
In the video, which Shehu shared on his page, Chinese representatives claimed that while China would not initiate any military strike, it was fully prepared to defend itself if provoked.
“Trump is advised to turn his attention and take up China’s challenge instead of intimidating weaker nations so as to steal the much-needed Rare Earth Minerals,” Shehu added.
The video also featured a boastful claim that China possessed what it called “Weapon 61” — reportedly containing 60 nuclear bombs and one hydrogen bomb — suggesting that the Asian power is prepared for a nuclear confrontation if necessary.
Although such claims have not been verified by international defense experts, Shehu said the message reflected the changing balance of global power and the determination of non-Western nations to resist American hegemony.
Mahdi Shehu’s remarks come amid renewed tensions between the United States and China over trade, technology, and geopolitical influence.
In recent years, both nations have clashed over issues such as Taiwan, the South China Sea, artificial intelligence, and global supply chains. China has continued to expand its military capacity, while the U.S. has strengthened alliances with countries like Japan, Australia, and the Philippines in what many see as a strategy to counter Beijing’s growing power.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who served from 2017 to 2021, was known for his tough stance on China. His administration imposed heavy tariffs on Chinese goods, accused Beijing of unfair trade practices, and blamed China for the spread of COVID-19.
Shehu, a vocal critic of Western dominance, suggested that such strategies are outdated in today’s multipolar world where power is shifting toward Asia.
In his message, Shehu argued that China’s courage should serve as a reminder to the international community that no single country should dominate global politics.
He said the era of unilateralism — where one powerful nation dictates the terms of engagement for the rest of the world — is gradually coming to an end.
“America should learn that the world has changed. No nation should be bullied for its resources or political choices,” Shehu said in his post.
He further urged African nations to learn from China’s example by asserting their independence and defending their natural resources against exploitation.
Mahdi Shehu is known in Nigeria for his outspoken views on governance, corruption, and international relations.
