Riley Moore, a U.S. lawmaker championing a campaign against the alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria, on Tuesday said the “autocratic” Chinese government cannot dictate to the U.S. how to deal with Nigeria.

Mr Moore, in a post on X, responded to the Chinese embassy’s post opposing the U.S. threat to invade Nigeria to eliminate terrorists killing Christians.

“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,” Mr Moore said.

Backing President Donald Trump’s order for the U.S. Department of War to prepare for a potential invasion of Nigeria, Mr Moore said, “President Trump is absolutely right to defend our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering horrific persecution, and even martyrdom, for their faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

On Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy in a statement said, “As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people to a development path that fits Nigeria’s national realities.

“We oppose any country’s interference in other countries’ internal affairs under the pretext of religion and human rights. We oppose the wanton threat of sanctions and use of force.”

Mr Trump had declared Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern and ordered the U.S. Department of War to begin preparation for a potential invasion of Nigeria to raid terrorists killing Christians.

Mr Trump’s move followed weeks of an online campaign for Nigeria to be declared a Country of Particular Concern led by Ted Cruz, Mr Moore, Nancy Mace, and other American lawmakers.