Amanze Chinonye
U.S. lawmaker, Representative Riley Moore, has fired back at China after Beijing warned against interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs, defending President Donald Trump’s threat of military action over alleged religious persecution in Africa’s most populous nation.
Moore, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said President Trump was “absolutely right” to defend Christians “suffering horrific persecution, and even martyrdom” in Nigeria, describing China as a “Communist autocracy” that has “no moral authority to lecture” the United States on foreign policy.
“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,” Moore wrote.
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His remarks came hours after China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, reiterated Beijing’s opposition to what it described as “using religion or human rights as an excuse to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.” Mao said China “firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on a development path suited to its national conditions” and warned against threats of sanctions or military intervention.
Beijing’s statement followed Trump’s declaration on November 1 that he had directed the Pentagon to “prepare for fast military action in Nigeria” if the government in Abuja failed to halt attacks against Christians. Trump also threatened to suspend U.S. aid to Nigeria, sparking diplomatic unease across multiple capitals.
Nigeria’s government has rejected Trump’s claims and emphasised that violence in the country affects people of all faiths. Officials said Abuja welcomes international cooperation but will not tolerate actions that undermine its sovereignty.
Analysts say the exchange underscores growing U.S. – China rivalry spilling into African geopolitics, with both powers positioning themselves as defenders of different global values, Washington on human rights and Beijing on non-interference.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
