China had reacted to a report by a British news platform, The Times, about financing terrorists to access Nigeria’s mineral resources through a statement denying its involvement.

The report dated April 15, 2023, and titled, ‘Chinese ‘bribed Nigerian militants for access to vast mineral reserves’ claimed that “Beijing could be indirectly funding terror” in Nigeria.

However, the Chinese Embassy said the report is “based on unverified, unclear and unproven information, to which we have to express our strong dissatisfaction and objection.”

The Chinese government, as well as the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, have always encouraged and urged the Chinese companies and nationals in Nigeria to abide by the laws and regulations of Nigeria, and to implement the local rules and guidance on labour, environment, health and safety, etc, and would continue their efforts in this regard,” the statement added.

“The Chinese government was and would never be involved in any form of funding terrorism. 

“The allegations contained in the report were totally irresponsible and unethical, and the intention of the report is seriously questioned.

For the past decades, the bilateral cooperation between China and Nigeria has brought tangible benefits to our bilateral ties and  the well-being of the two peoples. We will continue to work with the Nigerian government to promote development and address security issues.

“We welcome international partners to join our efforts in good faith, but would reject any intention or action that would smear our cooperation.”

Several African countries have separately also demanded that China address their concerns that Africans are being mistreated and harassed.

Africans in Guangzhou have reportedly been ejected from their apartments by their landlords. They have also been subjected to Coronavirus test several times without being given results and being shunned and discriminated against in public.

Videos shared online show Africans stranded, with some forced to sleep on the streets, after being ejected from their hotels and apartments.

The ambassadors’ note highlighted a number of reported incidents, including that Africans were being ejected from hotels in the middle of the night, the seizure of passports, and threats of visa revocation, arrest or deportation.

“The Group of African Ambassadors in Beijing immediately demands the cessation of forceful testing, quarantine and other inhuman treatments meted out to Africans,” it said.

The note was sent to State Councilor Wang Yi, the Chinese government’s top diplomat, copying the chair of the African Union, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and all African foreign ministers.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said in a statement published Sunday “The Guangdong authorities attach great importance to some African countries’ concerns and are working promptly to improve their working method,”