Allegations of Chinese companies sponsoring terrorism

…Says Chinese mining enterprises in Nigeria victims of terrorist activities

From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja

The Chinese Government has dismissed as baseless, allegations that Chinese companies are engaged in illegal mining in Nigeria and payment of protection money to specific organizations.

A spokesperson for the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, in a statement made available to Sunday Sun, said that recently, a bill introduced by a certain United States congressmen groundlessly accused China of engaging in illegal mining operations in Nigeria and paying protection money to specific militia groups.

The Chinese Embassy also said some media reported on the bill and fabricated such rumours as “Chinese mining companies funding terrorism.”

It, however, said the accusations were completely baseless, saying that rather, Chinese mining enterprises in Nigeria were victims of terrorist activities.

“We express our firm opposition and strong dissatisfaction, and request that the relevant media immediately cease spreading such false information.

“The Chinese Embassy has consistently required Chinese companies and citizens overseas to strictly abide by the laws and regulations of the host country, to operate lawfully and compliantly, and to show zero tolerance toward any enterprise involved in illegal or criminal activities. The overwhelming majority of Chinese mining companies in Nigeria have set an exemplary record of compliance with Nigerian laws and regulations. They actively give back to local communities, fulfill their social responsibilities, protect the natural environment, and have made positive contributions to deepening bilateral mining cooperation, supporting local economic development, and creating employment opportunities,” the Embassy said.

Noting that the Chinese government has always respected Nigeria’s sovereignty and supported Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen mining governance in accordance with law and regulations, the statement went further to stress: “The Chinese Embassy maintains close communication and cooperation with relevant Nigerian authorities at all times. It must be emphasized that Chinese mining enterprises in Nigeria are victims of terrorist activities. They have consistently supported and are willing to cooperate with the Nigerian government’s efforts to safeguard national security.

“The Chinese side stands ready to work together with Nigeria to further strengthen mining cooperation and governance, promote the healthy, orderly and sustainable development of China-Nigeria mining cooperation, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises from both sides, and bring benefits to the peoples of both countries.

“The Chinese side urges relevant parties to immediately stop spreading rumors and slander so as to cease actions that undermine China-Nigeria friendly cooperation. We hope that Nigerian media and people from all sectors will view China-Nigeria mining cooperation in an objective and fair manner, and will not allow individuals with ulterior motives to exploit them by disseminating false information, thereby affecting China-Nigeria friendly cooperation and damaging the friendship between the two peoples.”