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Herald Reporter
The Chinese embassy in Zimbabwe says Beijing does not tolerate any form of racial discrimination. This follows reports of Africans in the Chinese city of Guangzhou being allegedly left homeless last week after China warned against imported coronavirus cases.

Posting on his Twitter account yesterday, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Guo Shaochun said: “Our attitude is clear, firm and consistent: Zero tolerance for racial discrimination. Nothing can change such a position. Communication including constructive criticism is welcome. That will help any party concerned to improve its working methods and reduce misunderstanding.”

In a further statement, the Chinese embassy said it was damaging to exaggerate isolated incidents or some misunderstanding caused by insufficient communication.

“China opposes all forms of discrimination in any part of the world against any individual, group of population, and ethnicity,” reads the statement.

“In the face of the threat of Covid-19, China and Africa need solidarity more than ever before. The Chinese government, business community, and individuals are making their best efforts to support African countries in countering the pandemic. Tough measures are being put in place around the world, including in China and Zimbabwe. Minimising imported cases and guarding against a resurgence of the virus is the focus of China’s fight right now. For this purpose, the understanding, support, and collaboration of all Chinese citizens and foreign nationals in China are needed. Throughout this fight, China treats all individuals in the country, Chinese and foreign alike, as equals. We do not differentiate our approaches. We implement a zero-tolerance policy on racial discrimination.”

Ambassador Guo Shaochun said the embassy had taken note of relevant reports of occasional incidents and misunderstanding in the process of implementing epidemic prevention and control measures. He said communication would be made to the relevant parties to promote the improvement of working methods and make sure well-intentioned policies were carried out to good effect.

“We also expect all foreign nationals in China to fully comply with the local policies aimed at controlling the pandemic and support and cooperate with the local authorities as they discharge their lawful duty. Only by working together can we win this tough battle.”

As the current African Union chair, South Africa on Sunday said it was deeply concerned about reports of alleged ill-treatment of African nationals in China.