By: Sunday Ameh
A United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, has strongly rebuked China for reportedly cautioning Washington against military intervention in Nigeria over allegations of widespread attacks on Christian communities, insisting that Beijing will not determine America’s foreign policy or global security decisions.
Moore, who issued the remarks in a statement shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, reiterated his support for former U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance on protecting persecuted Christians in Nigeria. According to him, the United States has a moral duty to defend global religious freedom and stand against what he described as the “horrific persecution and martyrdom” faced by Christian communities.
“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 stated.
Reacting directly to China’s warning to Washington, Moore said the U.S. would not yield to pressure from a nation he accused of severe human rights abuses.
“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 said.
His remarks come amid growing diplomatic tensions after Chinese officials condemned potential U.S. military involvement in Nigeria. Beijing accused Washington of attempting to interfere in Nigeria’s internal matters under the guise of human rights advocacy.
At a press conference earlier on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Nigeria. She stressed that China “firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force.”
Ning’s comments followed reports that Trump hinted at possible direct military support to protect Christian populations suffering violent attacks in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has responded with a firm rejection of any foreign military intervention. Daniel Bwala, a spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, speaking on Russian National Television, urged the U.S. to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty. He dismissed allegations of state-backed religious genocide as part of an orchestrated media agenda intended to discredit the government.
Bwala further insisted that credible international monitors have found no evidence supporting claims of government-sponsored religious persecution in Nigeria. He emphasized Nigeria’s ability to manage its internal security issues without external military intrusion.
The debate has escalated global discussions on religious freedom, international diplomacy, and national sovereignty—placing Nigeria at the center of renewed geopolitical friction between the United States and China.
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