A United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, has criticised China for warning Washington against possible military action in Nigeria, insisting that Beijing cannot dictate America’s foreign policy.
In a post shared on his X handle on Tuesday, November 4, Moore backed US President Donald Trump’s threat to intervene militarily over alleged genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
He stated that America had a moral duty to defend freedom of religion, saying, “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.”
The lawmaker also condemned China’s human rights record, accusing the country 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.
READ ALSO: China Warns Against US Interference in Nigeria’s Affairs
His remarks came after Beijing warned Washington against what it described as interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs following Trump’s recent comments threatening direct US intervention to protect Christians.
China had earlier pledged support for the Nigerian government, stressing its commitment to Nigeria’s sovereignty and development path.
Speaking 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 right.
“We oppose the wanton threat of sanctions and the use of force,” Ning stated in response to questions about Trump’s threat.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has urged Trump to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and refrain from deploying American troops to its territory.