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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Remarks on Guangdong's Anti-epidemic Measures Concerning African Citizens in China
2020-04-16 22:01

CNR: We noted that China and Africa have recently had close communication on the prevention and control measures adopted by Guangdong province affecting African citizens, and China has taken some new measures. Could you update us on the latest development?

 

Zhao Lijian: The China-Africa relations have drawn widespread attention recently. As you said, China and Africa have maintained close communication and friendly consultation on the situation of African nationals in Guangdong province over the past few days. State Councilor Wang Yi had a telephone conversation with Chairman Faki of the African Union Commission, and Assistant Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong met with African diplomatic envoys to China. The Chinese embassies in Africa have also been in active communication with the African side. The Chinese side reiterated that there has been no change in its friendly policy towards Africa. Facing grave risks of importing cases in Guangdong, China has strengthened its prevention and control measures and adhered to the principle of treating Chinese nationals and foreigners as equals, and will not adopt differentiated policies towards any special groups. Taking into consideration the concerns of the African side, Guangdong has further improved its health management measures for foreigners. It is learned that on the premise of complying with China's provisions on epidemic prevention, many African nationals are returning home for self-quarantine, and proper arrangements have been made for African nationals in difficulties.

African governments and African diplomatic envoys in China generally believe that under the current situation when all countries are strengthening epidemic prevention and control measures, Guangdong's measures are responsible for all Chinese and foreigners and completely understandable. Foreigners who work and live locally should show their cooperation and support. The African side appreciates that China takes Africa's concerns seriously and notes the continuous improvement of the situation involving Africans in relevant cities in Guangdong. The African side will cooperate with China to educate and guide its citizens to abide by China's provisions on epidemic prevention and control. Many African friends also pointed out that after verification, many of the videos circulating online have been found to be edited and did not tell the whole story. Both China and Africa should be vigilant against online contents that may mislead people's perceptions and sentiments.

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed out in a telephone conversation with AUC Chairman Faki that the traditional friendship between China and Africa is as solid as a rock and unbreakable. It will not be affected as time passes and events arise, nor will it be disrupted by any alienating attempts. Chairman Faki said that the African side does not believe that China will adopt a policy of racial discrimination against the African people. Africa and China are friends and now comrades-in-arms in the fight against the COVID-19. Nothing can change or damage Africa-China friendship. In the next stage, China and Africa will continue to stand firmly together to secure the final victory against the pandemic.

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