Chinese government response to allegations of mistreating Africans in China

1. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Remarks on
Guangdong's Anti-epidemic Measures Concerning African Citizens in China
2020/04/12
Faced with COVID-19, an abrupt global public health crisis, all countries are
taking containment measures to prevent it from further spreading. China has
achieved remarkable progress at this stage thanks to our most comprehensive,
rigorous and thorough measures, but we are still facing great risks of imported
cases and domestic resurgence. Particularly, as the pandemic spreads all over the
world, imported cases are causing mounting pressure.
China and Africa are good friends, partners and brothers. 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. Humanity shines through the
darkness of the epidemic. After the Ebola epidemics broke out in three West
African countries in 2014, the Chinese government provided assistance at the
earliest time possible and fought side by side with the African countries and people.
Now faced with the 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,

2. especially African students. As the situation is getting more severe in Africa, the
Chinese government and people have urgently delivered batches of supplies to the
continent. Our assistance, conveying deep friendship for our African brothers and
sisters, demonstrates our fine tradition of mutual assistance and mutual support,
and has been highly acclaimed by African countries and the African Union. While
arduously fight the virus at home, China has donated large amounts of test kits,
masks, protective suits, goggles, face shields, forehead thermometers, medical-use
gloves, shoe covers, ventilators and other supplies to the African Union and
African countries. We will continue helping our African brothers to the best of our
ability.
During our fight against the coronavirus, the Chinese government has been
attaching great importance to the life and health of foreign nationals in China. All
foreigners are treated equally. We reject differential treatment, and we have zero
tolerance for discrimination. Since the outbreak, the authorities in Guangdong
attach high importance to the treatment of foreign patients, including African
nationals. Specific plans and proper arrangements are made to protect their life and
health to the best of our ability, thanks to which we were able to save the lives of
some African patients in severe or critical conditions.
The Guangdong authorities attach great importance to some African countries’
concerns and are working promptly to improve their working method. The

3. measures include: to provide health management services without differentiation,
to designate hotels for the accommodation of foreigners required to undergo
medical observation and adopt price adjustment for those in financial difficulties;
to set up effective communication mechanism with foreign consulates-general in
Guangzhou; and to reject all racist and discriminatory remarks. The Chinese
people always see in the African people partners and brothers through thick and
thin. China-Africa friendship is unbreakable as it is deeply rooted in this land.
African friends can count on getting fair, just, cordial and friendly reception in
China. The foreign ministry will stay in close communication with the Guangdong
authorities and continue responding to the African side’s reasonable concerns and
legitimate appeals.
The virus knows no borders. The pandemic, a challenge to all mankind, can only
be defeated through concerted international efforts. With mutual understanding,
mutual support and cooperation, we are ready to continue working with African
friends to achieve the final victory.