The Chinese Embassy in Ghana has issued a statement on recent reports about maltreatment of Ghanaians and other African nationals in China.

According to a statement released by the spokesperson of the embassy, although China has instituted tough measures to hold imported cases of coronavirus, media reports have generally exaggerated some of the interventions.

“It is important to note that China has been upholding the position and policy that all foreigners are treated equally. However, some media are exaggerating the situation and driving a wedge between China and Africa by interpreting the occasional incidents and misunderstandings as China treats Africans in a discrimination way, which has gone far beyond its original appearance,” the embassy said in the statement.

China has been recently criticised for inhumane treatment of African nationals in the country as it takes steps to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Read the full statement below.

Statement by Chinese Embassy Spokesperson

The Chinese people always see in the African people partners and brothers through thick and thin. Our friendship is forged on the basis of joint efforts to seek national independence, liberation, economic development and better livelihood in the past decades. Such time-tested friendship is a treasure for both Chinese and African people.

After the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, China and Africa are again tiding over difficulties hand in hand, and our friendship is again elevated. We will not forget the support from Africa during our most difficult times. While overcoming difficulties at home, we also give love and care to all African citizens in China, especially African students. Of the more than 3,000 African students in Hubei Province and the city of Wuhan, only one was infected and then quickly cured. And there is no infection among all the Ghanaian nationals in China.

Recently, some African countries, including Ghana, expressed their concerns of some Africans citizens in Guangdong Province. The Chinese side attaches great importance and quickly began the investigation. It is important to note that China has been upholding the position and policy that all foreigners are treated equally. However, some medias are exaggerating the situation and driving a wedge between China and Africa by interpreting the occasional incidents and misunderstandings as China treats Africans in a discrimination way, which has gone far beyond its original appearance.

The fact is that, as the pandemic spreads all over the world, imported cases are causing mounting pressure to China, especially for Guangdong Province, a major province of opening up in China. Therefore, the province has to adopt rigorous measures which caused the concerns of some African countries. Now, the province is working promptly to improve their working method, including but not limited to taking health management measures without differentiation, lifting the health management to Africans except confirmed cases and close contacts (including suspected cases) from today according to relevant epidemic response procedures, establishing an effective communication mechanism with African Consulates-General in Guangzhou.

The challenge of this pandemic is unprecedented to mankind. China has achieved remarkable progress at this stage thanks to our most comprehensive, rigorous and thorough measures, but we also paid a heavy price for it. Only strict management and plugging all loopholes can China sustain the hard-earned achievements in the battle against the epidemic. It is a responsible move not only to Chinese people but to foreigners including Africans in China. We hope that our African friends could show understanding and support to China’s epidemic prevention measures. In the meantime, China makes a solemn commitment that no one would be discriminated in the process.

As the situation is getting more severe in Africa, China, relating deeply to African countries’ difficulties, has urgently delivered batches of supplies to the continent while arduously fights the virus at home. China is the first country to send medical supplies by charted flight to Africa. China’s local authorities and companies are providing assistance to Africa in various ways. With these practical actions, the China-Africa brotherhood and the spirit of the community with a shared future featuring mutual assistance have been completely demonstrated. China will continue to extend support to Africa within its capacity and work together with Africa till the total victory.