U.S. Congressman Riley Moore has dismissed China’s criticism of President Donald Trump’s warning to the Nigerian government, saying Beijing has no right to interfere in America’s foreign policy decisions.
Moore’s remarks came in response to a statement by China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, who cautioned Washington against threatening Nigeria’s sovereignty following Trump’s warning of possible military action if the “genocide against Christians” in Nigeria continues.
China had described Trump’s comments as an unacceptable intrusion into another country’s internal affairs, urging the U.S. to respect Nigeria’s independence and avoid using religion or human rights as a pretext for coercion.
In a strong rebuttal, Congressman Moore called Beijing’s position hypocritical, accusing the Chinese government of human rights abuses while attempting to lecture the U.S. on foreign policy.
“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 said. “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.”
The exchange has become the latest flashpoint in the growing tensions between the United States and China, underscoring their rival visions for global leadership.
Under President Xi Jinping, China has expanded its influence across Africa through trade and investment, emphasizing non-interference, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence. The United States, on the other hand, has seen its influence in parts of the continent diminish due to aid cuts, tariff disputes, and shifting domestic priorities.
Despite these challenges, U.S. officials maintain that America’s foreign policy will continue to be guided by its national interests, security, and values.
Meanwhile, both the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their support for Nigeria’s sovereignty and stability, urging the international community to back regional efforts in combating terrorism and insecurity.