US lawmaker Riley Moore has criticized China for warning Washington against a proposed military action in Nigeria over alleged genocide against Christians, insisting that Beijing would not dictate America’s foreign policy.
Moore supported US President Donald Trump’s views on supporting Christians in Nigeria in a message shared on his X Twitter on Tuesday.
He claimed that the United States has a moral obligation to protect 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 Savior Jesus Christ,” Moore wrote.
The legislator also criticized China’s human rights record, accusing Beijing of hypocrisy in seeking to teach the United States on global issues.
“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,” according to Moore.
His remarks came after China urged Washington against undue intervention in Nigeria’s domestic security.
The warning came after Trump vowed immediate intervention to safeguard Christian communities from violent attacks and murders.
China had already declared its support for the Federal Government, indicating that it would stand behind Nigeria as it sought development appropriate to its national conditions.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated, “As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people to a development path that is appropriate for 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.”
Ning made the remarks in response to inquiries regarding Trump’s threat of military action in Nigeria over the alleged persecution of Christians.
Meanwhile, the FG has urged Trump to respect the country’s sovereignty and refrain from sending American soldiers into its land.
