The United States on Saturday berated Chinese authorities for mistreating Africans in their country over the COVID-19 cases, accusing the Asian country of “xenophobia” toward Africans.
Nigerian students and businessmen in Guangzhou were evicted from their apartments and hotel rooms by Chinese authorities apparently in a draconian move to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the county.
Africans in southern China’s largest metropolis told AFP they had been kicked out of lodgings and then turned away from hotels over suspicions aroused by the Nigerian cases.
The abuse and mistreatment of Africans living and working in China is a sad reminder of how hollow the PRC-Africa partnership really is,” a State Department spokesperson said, using the acronym for the Peoples Republic of China.
“At a time when we should be supporting one another to recover from a pandemic PRC officials recklessly hid from the world, Chinese officials are busy evicting African students into the streets without food or shelter.”
“It’s unfortunate but not surprising to see this kind of xenophobia towards Africans by Chinese authorities,” the State Department spokesperson added. “Anyone who watches Chinese engagement in projects across Africa recognizes this kind of abusive and manipulative behavior.” The treatment Africans in Guangzhou also drew an expression of “extreme concern” Saturday from the president of the African Union. Since coming to office in 2017, the administration of President Donald Trump has shown little interest in Africa. But it has repeatedly warned about China’s intentions in the continent, arguing that its investments and loans to African countries are less than friendly.
“Promises made to Africans, including those who work and study in China, are never kept as advertised,” the State Department spokesperson said. “To treat people -– especially students — this way during a global public health crisis says everything about how the PRC views their so-called ‘partnership’ with Africa.”
Meanwhile the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing, China says the government was now prepared to evacuate her citizens from China.
