A United States congressman, Riley Moore, has pushed back strongly against Beijing after China faulted former US President Donald Trump’s recent comments on religious violence in Nigeria. Trump had warned that Washington could consider military action if necessary, claiming it would be to protect Christians facing ongoing persecution in parts of the country.
Responding to Trump’s comments, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, stated on Wednesday that China — as a key strategic partner to Nigeria — opposes the use of religion or human rights issues as grounds for foreign interference, sanctions, or military threats against sovereign states.
Moore, however, described China’s statement as hypocritical, accusing Beijing of suppressing Christians and other religious minorities within its own borders. In a post on X, the US lawmaker wrote that China — which he called a “Communist autocracy” — had no authority to lecture Washington on foreign policy, especially on matters related to religious freedom.
“China will not dictate our foreign policy to us, and we will not be lectured to by a Communist regime,” he wrote, adding that China itself has targeted pastors and detained minority groups.
The exchange comes amid heightened geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China, particularly over influence in Africa. While Beijing has expanded trade and infrastructure financing across the continent under its Belt and Road Initiative, US influence has been more divided in recent years due to shifts in foreign aid and domestic political debates.
Nigeria has, in recent years, faced rising insecurity in several northern and central states, including attacks by extremist groups and armed militias. Religious minority communities — including Christian communities — have repeatedly reported killings, abductions, forced displacement and destruction of villages.
Meanwhile, regional blocs such as ECOWAS and international partners including the European Union have reiterated their commitment to Nigeria’s sovereignty, while urging global powers to support regional counter-terrorism efforts without escalating international tensions or undermining diplomatic stability in West Africa.
Source:Africa Publicity
