Dare Babalola
A United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, has criticised China for warning the US over a statement made by President Donald Trump, who threatened to treat Nigeria like a ‘failed state’.
The lawmaker slammed China’s reaction, suggesting it was hypocritical given China’s own human rights record, particularly regarding the treatment of the Uighur Muslim minority in Xinjiang.
In a statement shared via his official X account, Moore threw his full support behind President Trump, commending his stance on protecting persecuted Christians in Nigeria and defending global religious freedom.
“President Trump is absolutely right to stand up for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are enduring horrific persecution, and even martyrdom, for their faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” Moore stated.
“China will not dictate our foreign policy to us, and we will not be lectured by a Communist autocracy that recently arrested 30 Christian pastors for their faith and throws ethnic minorities into concentration camps,” he added.
Moore’s remarks followed China’s warning to Washington against what it termed “unwarranted interference” in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
Recall that the Chinese government had on Tuesday, condemned Trump’s threat to take military action to protect Christian communities in Nigeria, describing it as intimidation and a violation of Nigeria’s sovereignty.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Nigeria’s sovereignty and development priorities.
“As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on a development path suited to its national realities. We oppose any country’s interference in another’s internal affairs under the pretext of religion and human rights, and we reject the use of sanctions or force as threats,” Mao said.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has also responded to Trump’s remarks, urging the US president to respect the country’s sovereignty and refrain from deploying American forces to Nigerian soil.
