China Faces Backlash Over Discrimination Against Africans... "We Are Friends and Brothers" Reassures

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] As Western countries' criticism that China is discriminating against Africans during the COVID-19 prevention process intensifies, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement under spokesperson Zhao Lijian emphasizing the special relationship between China and Africa.

The statement, released on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website on the 12th (local time), said, "China and Africa are good friends, partners, and brothers. Our friendship has been formed over the past several decades based on joint efforts for national independence, national liberation, economic development, and improvement of people's livelihoods. It is a precious relationship forged by enduring hardships together."

The statement highlighted that the Chinese government was one of the first to provide support after the Ebola outbreak in three West African countries in 2014, and explained that during the current COVID-19 outbreak, China and Africa have been mutually supporting each other with medical supplies and encouragement, demonstrating their unwavering friendship. It added, "Facing the current COVID-19 pandemic, China and Africa are once again joining hands to overcome difficulties, and our friendship is rising again."

While mentioning the friendly relations between China and Africa, the statement also explained that the strict measures recently taken by China during the COVID-19 prevention process were unavoidable steps to prevent the spread of the virus. The statement said, "Currently, China has made remarkable progress in preventing the spread of COVID-19 through comprehensive, strict, and thorough measures, but still faces risks of overseas re-importation and internal resurgence. The Chinese government values the lives and health of foreigners, treating all foreigners equally. We will not tolerate any discrimination."

It also added, "The Guangdong provincial government places great importance on the treatment of COVID-19 patients who are foreigners, including those of African nationality. It takes the concerns of some African countries very seriously and is accelerating improvements on related issues. China will treat its African friends fairly, justly, kindly, and amicably. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to actively respond to the legitimate demands of African countries through close contact with the Guangdong provincial government."

This statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs came amid mounting Western criticism that discrimination against Africans is frequent in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. Western media such as the US CNN and AFP have been reporting daily that cases of discrimination against Africans and other Black people in China are frequent under the pretext of COVID-19 prevention. There are numerous reports of Black people being evicted from their homes, denied hotel reservations, or required to undergo 14-day self-quarantine simply because of their race, even without contact with confirmed COVID-19 patients.

The racial discrimination controversy began after five Nigerian nationals tested positive for COVID-19 in an area of Guangdong Province where many Africans live. At Guangzhou's 8th People's Hospital, a 47-year-old Nigerian man refused to undergo a blood test and assaulted a nurse who tried to stop him from leaving the quarantine area.

Chinese analysts criticized Western countries for deliberately distorting reports to damage the long-standing friendly relations between China and Africa.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.