Beijing not funding terrorism in Nigeria ― Chinese govt

The Chinese government has refuted the information making the round published by a media organisation claiming Beijing could be indirectly funding terror in Nigeria.

The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria in a statement posted on its website also said the report titled: “Chinese bribed Nigerian militants for access to vast mineral reserves” published in foreign media, is untrue stressing that the information is based on unverified, unclear and unproven information, to which the embassy has to express its strong dissatisfaction and objection.

The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to a media report titled “Chinese ‘bribed Nigerian militants for access to vast mineral reserves’”, published by The Times of the U.K. on April 15, 2023.

“This report, claiming that ‘Beijing could be indirectly funding terror’ in Nigeria, 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 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.”

 

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