By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
United States lawmaker Riley Moore has criticised China for cautioning Washington against a proposed military action in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians, insisting that Beijing has no authority to dictate America’s foreign policy.
In a post on his X account on Tuesday, Moore voiced support for US President Donald Trump’s stance on defending Christians in Nigeria, emphasising the nation’s moral obligation to uphold religious freedom.
“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 also 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.
Moore’s remarks followed reports that China had warned the United States against what it 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, meanwhile, reiterated its support for the Nigerian government, stressing that the country should pursue development in line with its national circumstances.
At a press briefing 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.”
The comments were made in response to questions about Trump’s threat of military action over the alleged persecution of Christians.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Nigeria has urged the United States to respect its sovereignty and refrain from deploying troops on Nigerian soil.