A United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, has chided China over its stance against President Donald Trump’s threat of military intervention in Nigeria to protect Christians from Islamic terrorists.
Moore’s position comes in response to China’s description of Washington’s warning as an “unwarranted interference” in Nigeria’s domestic affairs.
Trump had earlier declared Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), alleging an ongoing genocide against Christians and accusing the Nigerian government of complicity for failing to act.
However, China — a strategic economic partner of Nigeria — has called for respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
On Tuesday, Beijing condemned Trump’s threat to use military force to protect Christian communities in Nigeria, describing it as intimidation and a violation of the country’s sovereignty.
During a press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Nigeria’s sovereignty and development priorities.
“As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on a development path suited to its national realities. We oppose any country’s interference in another’s internal affairs under the pretext of religion and human rights, and we reject the use of sanctions or force as threats,” Mao said.
In response, U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore accused China of hypocrisy, citing its own human rights record, particularly the mistreatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang.
Writing on his official X account, Moore backed President Trump’s move to protect persecuted Christians in Nigeria and to defend global religious freedom.
“President Trump is absolutely right to stand up for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are enduring horrific persecution — and even martyrdom — for their faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Moore stated.
“China will not dictate our foreign policy to us, and we will not be lectured by a Communist autocracy that recently arrested 30 Christian pastors for their faith and throws ethnic minorities into concentration camps,” he added.
Meanwhile, several regional groups — including the Arewa Consultative Forum, Afenifere, the Middle Belt Forum, and the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) — have joined the Nigerian government in urging the U.S. president to respect the country’s sovereignty and halt any plans to deploy American forces on Nigerian soil.
