US lawmaker slams China, backs proposed military action in Nigeria

United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, has criticised China for warning Washington against a proposed military action in Nigeria over alleged genocide against Christians, insisting that Beijing would not dictate America’s foreign policy.

In a post shared on his X handle on Tuesday, Moore expressed support for US President Donald Trump’s position on defending Christians in Nigeria.

He stated that the US had a moral responsibility to defend religious freedom.

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“President Trump is absolutely right to defend our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering horrific persecution, and even martyrdom, for their faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” Moore wrote.

The lawmaker further condemned China’s human rights record, accusing Beijing of hypocrisy for attempting to lecture the United States on global affairs.

“China will not dictate our foreign policy to us, and we will not be lectured to by a Communist autocracy that recently arrested 30 Christian pastors for their faith and throws ethnic minorities in concentration camps,” Moore added.

His comments followed reports that China had warned Washington against what they described as unwarranted interference in Nigeria’s internal security matters.

The warning came after Trump threatened direct intervention to protect Christian communities facing violent attacks and killings.

China earlier declared its support for the Federal Government, stating that it stood by Nigeria as the country pursued development suited to its national conditions.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, “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.

“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.”

Ning made the comments while responding to questions about Trump’s threat of military action in Nigeria over the alleged persecution of Christians.

Meanwhile, the FG has cautioned Trump to respect the country’s sovereignty and refrain from deploying American troops to its territory.