Chinese Embassy Defends Mining Firms in Nigeria, Rejects US Funding Claims

By Linda Ike

The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has fired back at completely groundless United States (U.S.) accusations that Chinese mining firms fund terrorism or pay protection money to militias, calling the claims fabricated rumors.

The sharp rebuttal targets a recent U.S. congressional bill and media reports alleging illegal mining and criminal ties by Chinese companies in Nigeria.

Embassy spokesperson, Yu Dunhai in a statement dismissed them as false information, expressing firm opposition and strong dissatisfaction.

China stressed that most of its mining firms in Nigeria excel in compliance by obeying Nigerian laws, operating lawfully with zero tolerance for crime, fulfilling social responsibilities, protecting the environment, creating jobs, boosting local economies, and supporting communities while being victims of terrorist attacks themselves and backing Nigeria’s security efforts.

The embassy maintains close ties with Nigerian authorities and urges an end to rumor-mongering that harms bilateral mining cooperation and the China-Nigeria friendship.

Beijing respects Nigeria’s sovereignty, backs its mining governance, and stands ready to deepen healthy, sustainable partnerships benefiting enterprises and peoples on both sides.

It calls on Nigerian media and stakeholders to view ties objectively, rejecting exploitation by those with ulterior motives.