US Lawmaker Throws Punch at China Over Nigeria, Backs Trump’s Military Threat
By: Abudu Olalekan
Riley Moore isn’t one to mince words. On a day when diplomacy usually dances in nicely polished shoes, Moore walked in with boots and a megaphone—blunt as ever.
In a fiery post on X this Tuesday, the U.S. Representative made it very clear: America doesn’t take foreign policy orders from China. Not today. Not ever. And especially not when it comes to alleged atrocities happening half a world away—in Nigeria.
The controversy flared after former U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at taking military action to protect Christians in Nigeria—communities reportedly facing increasing violence and persecution. Naturally, not everyone applauded. China? It was one of the loudest to object.
But Moore? He wasn’t having it.
“President Trump is absolutely right to defend our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering horrific persecution for their faith,” Moore posted.
He doubled down, calling it a moral obligation—not just a policy decision. He said the U.S. had a duty to stand up for religious freedom, no matter where in the world it’s being crushed. He then turned the spotlight on Beijing, slamming China’s own human rights track record and calling out “the hypocrisy.”
“We will not be lectured by a Communist regime that arrests pastors and puts ethnic minorities in camps,” Moore added, clearly referencing China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims and Christian leaders.
So, what triggered all this? Let’s rewind a bit.
Recent reports claim that Christian communities in Nigeria have been under severe attack. Killings. Church burnings. Brutal stuff. Trump, never known for subtlety, threatened military intervention, calling the situation unacceptable.
But China? They weren’t on board. In a swift rebuttal, they threw their weight behind Nigeria’s government. China’s Foreign Ministry insisted any outside action would be meddling—painting it as just another Western excuse to “interfere” under the guise of human rights.
“We oppose interference in any country’s internal affairs. Religion and human rights should not be used as pretexts,” said Chinese spokesperson Mao Ning during a press briefing.
She added that China supports Nigeria’s own development model and respects its sovereignty. As in, thanks—but no thanks, America.
Now, let’s not miss the twist.
While Moore and Trump are advocating international protection for Nigeria’s endangered Christian populations, Nigeria itself doesn’t seem eager for the help. The Federal Government responded with a sharp reminder that its sovereignty isn’t up for debate. They’ve urged Trump—and anyone else rallying for intervention—to back off.
This puts the U.S. in a tough spot. On one hand, there’s moral pressure to act on behalf of religious groups facing brutal violence. On the other is international diplomacy, national sovereignty, and the ever-complicated dance with China.
It’s the kind of situation where nobody leaves clean.
Still, Moore seems unmoved. His message? America can’t afford to keep turning away when “people of faith” are being killed. And when China, of all countries, tries to lecture the U.S. about morality and restraint?
That, for him, crosses a line.
In the end, this isn’t just about Nigeria. It’s about who gets to call the shots on the world stage—and whose definition of human rights actually matters.
And like it or not, the world is listening.
