By John Okeke
The Chinese Government has responded to allegations that Nigerians were being maltreated in China, saying all foreigners were treated equally without discrimination.
It could be recalled that Speaker of the House of Reps, Femi Gbajabiamila had demanded explanation from the Chinese Ambassador in Nigeria for alleged maltreatment of Nigerians following a viral video which showed some Nigerians being tortured by Chinese officials.
The video had attracted widespread criticism of China.
However, in a press statement by the Chinese Embassy, the country said all foreigners in China were subjected to similar regulations and expected to respect and strictly observe all local anti-epidemic regulations.
The statement issued by the press Secretary of the Embassy of China in Nigeria on Sunday, seemed to suggest that the Nigerians shown in the video may have violated local regulations in China, without stating so.
According to the statement, China will always cherish her friendly relations with Nigeria.
But it added that the country needed the compliance of everyone to the covid-19 public health advisory, so as to defeat the menace.
“To prevent and control the pandemic, we need understanding, support and cooperation from both Chinese and foreign nationals in China.
“We reject differential treatment and have zero tolerance for discrimination,” the statement read.
According to the statement, any misinterpretation to the meeting held with the House of Representatives leadership should be debunked.
The statement reads in part:”On April 10, Ambassador Zhou Pingjian met with Rt.Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria at his instance.
“During the meeting, the Ambassador was offered to watch a mobile phone video clip about the purported improper treatment on some Nigerian citizens in Guangzhou, China.
“The Ambassador made it clear that judging from the one video clip on that mobile phone the approach of the relevant epidemic prevention and control personnel was not inappropriate.”
