A United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, has criticised China for cautioning Washington against a proposed military intervention in Nigeria, insisting that Beijing has no authority to dictate America’s foreign policy.
In a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, Moore backed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance on what Trump described as protecting Christian communities allegedly facing targeted attacks in Nigeria. Moore said the United States had a “moral responsibility” to defend religious freedom.
He also accused China of hypocrisy, pointing to Beijing’s own human rights record.
“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,” he wrote.
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Moore’s comments came after reports that China had warned the United States against what it described as unwarranted interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs, following Trump’s threat of direct military action.
Beijing reiterated its support for the Nigerian government, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning telling reporters that China stood by Nigeria’s pursuit of a development path suited to its national circumstances.
“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,” Ning said.
“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.”
The remarks were made in response to questions about Trump’s warning that the U.S. could intervene militarily over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has urged Trump to respect the country’s sovereignty and refrain from deploying U.S. troops to its territory.
