The social media was a buzz after a video clip which reveals how Nigerians in China were been chased out of their houses and gathered in a particular place.
China had received several lashings for maltreating Nigerians in such a seemingly despicable matter. In view of this, the world’s second largest economy has responded to the criticisms.
On Thursday, China on said it treats “all foreign nationals equally” after reports of discrimination against Africans in Guangdong province emerged earlier this week.
“We reject differential treatment, and we have zero tolerance for discrimination,” Chinese Foreign Ministry, Zhao Lijian, said at a press briefing.
A detailed report by the BBC on Wednesday indicates how hundreds of Africans including businessmen living in Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong province, have been evicted from their hotels and apartments when local authorities launched a coronavirus testing campaign.
“They accuse us of having the virus,”Victor Tobenna, a Nigerian student in Guangzhou said, according to the BBC.
However, while noting that the Chinese government was aware of the reports Lijian stressed that China and African countries have been supporting each other in fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
“Countries all over the world are taking measures to contain the pandemic,” he said. “In China, our most urgent task is to prevent the spread of the coronavirus from both within and (outside) the country.
“To meet this goal, we need understanding, support and cooperation from both Chinese and foreign nationals in China.
“In the meantime, we pay high attention to the incidents and misunderstanding occurred in this process. We urge relevant authorities to improve their way of work, and hope all foreigners in China will strictly observe local anti-epidemic regulations, and cooperate with and support us in fighting the virus. Together we will achieve the final victory.”