United States lawmaker Riley Moore has publicly condemned China for warning against a proposed U.S. military intervention in Nigeria, describing Beijing’s stance as hypocritical and unacceptable. Moore’s remarks were made in response to China’s recent statement urging the U.S. to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and refrain from interference.
In a post on his official X account, Moore backed President Donald Trump’s position on defending Christian communities in Nigeria, which have reportedly faced targeted attacks and persecution. “China will not dictate our foreign policy to us,” Moore wrote, adding that the U.S. has a “moral responsibility” to protect religious freedom globally.
Moore also accused China of double standards, pointing to its own human rights record, including the arrest of 30 Christian pastors. He emphasized that the U.S. must stand firm in its values and not be swayed by authoritarian regimes.
The proposed military action, though not officially confirmed by the White House, has sparked international debate. While some view it as a necessary step to curb religious violence, others—including China—warn that it could destabilize Nigeria and violate its sovereignty.
China’s Foreign Ministry had earlier expressed support for Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and cautioned against external interference, framing the issue as an internal matter best resolved through dialogue and cooperation.
Moore’s comments reflect growing tensions between the U.S. and China over influence in Africa, particularly as both nations seek to assert their strategic interests in the region.
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