African ambassadors in China have written a joint diplomatic note to the country’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi to look into reports of discrimination against Africans as the country seeks to prevent a resurgence of the coronavirus, reported Reuters. The deadly virus originated in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December last year.
As per reports, African in China are being forced out of their homes and mistreated over fears they could spread the novel coronavirus. Several African countries have appealed the Chinese government to address their concerns that Africans, in particular in the southern city of Guangzhou, are being mistreated and harassed.
The appeal follows media coverage in China that claims a new wave of cases originating from infections outside the country as a recent cluster of cases has been linked to the Nigerian community in Guangzhou
“The Group of African Ambassadors in Beijing demands the cessation of forceful testing, quarantine and other inhuman treatments meted out to Africans,” the note said.
The note was also copied to the chair of the African Union, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and all African foreign ministers.
SA’s Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco) said the allegations of Africans being targeted in China and subjected to forced evictions, arbitrary quarantines and mass coronavirus testing are unconfirmed, but will be raised with the Asian country.
“We urge the Chinese authorities to investigate these allegations about Africans being subjected to testing for the coronavirus,” Dirco said on Sunday.
China is reportedly concerned about imported coronavirus cases and is stepping up scrutiny of foreigners coming into the country and tightening border controls. It has denied any discrimination.
“The Guangdong authorities attach great importance to some African countries’ concerns and are working promptly to improve their working method,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said in a statement on Sunday, referring to the province in which Guangzhou is located.
