We have zero-tolerance on discrimination on foreigners - China

The Chinese Government has spoken out on the alleged mistreatment of African citizens in its city of Guangzhou.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Sunday that all foreigners are being treated equally.

“All foreigners are treated equally. We reject differential treatment, and we have zero tolerance for discrimination,” The Spokesperson said.

His remarks follow the recent complains from some Africans residing in Guangzhou that they were being ejected from their apartments, forced to take tests for coronavirus several times and being discriminated in public as well as inside the shopping malls.

African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki had invited the Chinese Ambassador to the AU Liu Yuxi to address Africans concerns of the allegations.

Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Raychelle Omamo also wrote to the Chinese government seeking an explanation over the matter. 

The Chinese Government said that specific plans and proper arrangements are made to protect the lives of foreigners and that some of the African patients who were in severe or critical conditions have been treated since the outbreak.

“The Guangdong authorities attach great importance to some African countries’ concerns and are working promptly to improve their working method,” he said.

Among the measures put in place to ensure that all people are treated equally include providing health management services without differentiation, the designation of hotels for the accommodation of foreigners required to undergo medical observation and adoption of price adjustment for those in financial difficulties.

It also includes setting up effective communication mechanism with foreign consulates-general in Guangzhou and to reject all racist and discriminatory remarks.

The Chinese Government added that Chinese people see African people as partners and brothers.

“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 minister said.

He added that “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 Chinese government has also said it will continue showing care to African citizens, more so the students.

“We also give love and care to all African citizens in China, 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,” the government said.

The misfortunes facing African citizens in China blew up a debate in Kenya where several leaders raised the concern of those who were stranded in China since the outbreak.

Amani National Congress party leader Musalia Mudavadi asked the state to send a flight to evacuate Kenyans who are in China.

His remarks were echoed by Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua as well as several MPs.

Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo called on the Interior and Foreign Affairs CSs to address Kenyans on how they plan to help Kenyan citizens in China.

"We expect the interior CS to address us and give us a report on how they will sort them out because it is shocking to see our children and students being chased out in the cold while their people are living freely over here,” Kilonzo said.

Addressing the same issue, National Chairman of Churches in Kenya Archbishop Timothy Ndambuki said it is the responsibility of the national government to take care of those Kenyans and ensure their safety.

Speaking to the Star on Saturday, he said the government should engage China to address the claims of Kenyans being mistreated in Beijing.

“In fact, we have witnessed other countries through their embassies look out for their citizens in China others have even evacuated them. Kenya should follow suit,” he said.