In the wake of the abductions of Chinese nationals in Africa, the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing has issued a warning to its residents and businesses operating on the continent.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the disclaimer was given by Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian on Monday as he acknowledged the kidnapping of five Chinese people in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He also advised those in dangerous situations to evacuate as quickly as possible.
The kidnappings, according to Zhao, occurred during an assault on a gold mine in the Mukera village in eastern Congo, citing another recent occurrence in Nigeria in which three Chinese labourers were abducted.
The representative highlighted that “great security risks” existed in Nigeria and Congo, adding that these were not isolated events.
In July, three Chinese people were abducted in Mali, but they were rescued earlier this month.
Following that, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that China would improve risk warning and consular protection for Chinese citizens and organisations in the country to defend their safety and legal rights.
In recent years, China has greatly boosted its investments in Africa’s mining sector.
This has fueled local resentment towards affluent Chinese workers working in resource-rich nations like the Congo, where living conditions are especially poor.
