USA replies China, insists no going back on military intervention in Nigeria

A United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, has slammed China for warning Washington against a proposed military intervention in Nigeria over alleged genocide against Christians, stressing that Beijing cannot dictate America’s foreign policy.

In a post on his official X account on Tuesday, Moore threw his weight behind President Donald Trump’s position, saying the United States had a moral duty to defend religious freedom and protect persecuted Christians in Nigeria.

“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.

He further accused China of hypocrisy, pointing to its poor human rights record and persecution of minorities.

“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 added.

Moore’s remarks followed a warning issued by Beijing, cautioning Washington against what it described as unwarranted interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs.

China had earlier expressed support for the Nigerian government, insisting that every nation had the right to pursue its own path of development.

At a press briefing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reaffirmed Beijing’s position, saying:

“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.”

The statement came in response to President Trump’s earlier threat of direct US intervention to protect Christian communities facing violent attacks and killings in Nigeria.