China has refuted claims that its cities are maltreating Africans after African governments expressed displeasure.
Chinese city of Guangzhou has been one of the fingered cities that have reports of Chinese landlords and hotel managers ejecting Africans over fears that they are importing fresh cases of the coronavirus to the Asian country.
In some viral videos, affected Africans migrant’s living in the Guangdong and Fujian Province have accused the Chinese government of failing to protect them.
They have also expressed fear that they may contract the virus since they have been forced out of their homes.
“Black people are currently not allowed to access public places including malls, restaurants and hospitals. We have been evicted by our landlords and chased out of hotels because of Coronavirus outbreak,” one man who spoke to Netbuzz Africa revealed.
“I have no where to go and the hotels are even charging more, something I cannot afford.”
“What is the essence to rent a hotel room when I have a place to sleep anyway?” he quizzed adding that African leaders should act fast as they fear they might even contract the virus while being homeless.
Read: COVID-19 Cases: Pakistan refuses to evacuate its citizens from China
Meanwhile, in an open letter from the All African Association of Guangzhou, community leaders asked for an end to “the inhuman treatment, hatred, and outright discrimination of Africans that is currently going on in Guangzhou.
It has also prompted African governments and the African Union to raise concerns and demand an end to such discrimination.
Video Received: Police following African Country Nationals in Guangzhou, China, who have been left homeless after being evicted.
Many say say they have been on the receiving end of racist attacks, discrimination & harassment amid a rise in Coronavirus cases. pic.twitter.com/77TIXjQQFf— Samira Sawlani (@samirasawlani) April 12, 2020
Denial from China
But China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a news briefing that “We do not have discrimination in China against African brothers.”
He rather accuses the United States of fueling an agenda to destroy China’s relations African nations.
Zhao said “It is irresponsible and immoral for the U.S. to sow discord. Its attempt to drive a wedge between China and Africa will never succeed.”
He also said “new measures” have been rolled out in Guangdong and that Beijing is working at resolving the concerns of African nations.
In a separate statement the Chinese foreign office explained further that “The Guangdong authorities attach great importance to some African countries’ concerns and are working promptly to improve their working method.”
“The 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 statement added.
The statement also said “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.”
Guangzhou is home to one of China’s largest African communities and has become a hub for African traders buying and selling goods to the continent.
Discussion about this post