The Chinese government has shot down insinuations linking the Asian country to terrorism in Nigeria.
A British newspaper, The Times, had claimed Chinese mining industry employees were sponsoring terrorist organizations in some parts of Nigeria to gain access to the nation’s mineral resources.
The Times claims that it has sent its research to an analysis team in Lagos.
However, in a statement issued by its mission in Abuja on Monday, via its Twitter handle, China denied the allegations calling the reporting “irresponsible”.
The Chinese Mission said, “Our attention has been drawn to a media report titled “Chinese ‘bribed Nigerian militants for access to vast mineral reserves”, published by the 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, among others, 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.”
China also stated that the bilateral cooperation between China and Nigeria had brought tangible benefits to bilateral ties and well-being of both countries.
