China Denies Allegations Of Funding Terrorism And Supporting Illegal Mining In Nigeria

The Chinese government has rejected allegations from five United States lawmakers that it is involved in illegal mining and funding militias in Nigeria, calling the claims entirely baseless.

The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria issued a statement on Thursday in response to a bill introduced in the US Congress, which linked alleged illegal mining by Chinese nationals to terrorism financing and religious violence in Nigeria.

The embassy expressed strong dissatisfaction with the accusations, stressing that Chinese citizens and companies in Nigeria are required to strictly follow local laws and regulations.

“We express our firm opposition and strong dissatisfaction, and request that the relevant media immediately cease spreading such false information,” the statement said. “The Chinese Embassy has consistently required Chinese companies and citizens overseas to strictly abide by the laws and regulations of the host country.”

It noted that most Chinese mining companies in Nigeria have maintained exemplary compliance records and that, in many instances, they have themselves been targets of terrorist attacks.

The embassy also highlighted the positive contributions of Chinese enterprises, including supporting local communities, protecting the environment, creating jobs, and fostering bilateral cooperation. It reaffirmed its commitment to working with Nigerian authorities to strengthen governance and regulation in the mining sector.

The development adds a diplomatic angle to ongoing debates over foreign involvement, security, and oversight in Nigeria’s extractive industries.