Shanghai Pudong International Airport enforces stringent measures to prevent the rise of imported coronavirus cases. Photo: Yang Hui/GT
All foreigners in China should abide by Chinese laws and regulations in epidemic control work, and China is against any kind of discrimination and prejudice, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday in response to reports claiming “anti-foreign sentiment” is on the rise in China.
The Chinese side has always paid great attention to the safety and health of foreign citizens in China and ensure their rightful interests in accordance with law, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian at a regular press conference on Tuesday.
Since the COVID-19 broke out, China has been making maximum efforts to guarantee their needs in daily lives, epidemic prevention and medical care, and treating foreigners infected with COVID-19 in China the same way as anyone else, which has won support, appreciation and cooperation by most foreigners in China, according to Zhao.
Zhao’s statement came after a question at the press conference saying recent reports claimed some foreigners complained that they were being discriminated against in China, and they thought “anti-foreign sentiment” was rising in the country.
China is against any kind of discrimination and prejudice, and China’s recent border control measures were only implemented to counter the current epidemic situation and are temporary, Zhao said, noting that these measures are being carried out regardless of whether people are Chinese or foreign citizens, and no extra measures were added because of foreign identity.
All foreigners in China should abide by Chinese laws and regulations in epidemic control work, Zhao said.
Many Chinese netizens said foreigners who failed to respect Chinese rules amid the battle against the coronavirus are not welcome in China.
A Nigerian man who tested positive for COVID-19 in Guangzhou, South China’s Guangdong Province, refused to undergo medical quarantine and assaulted a nurse on April 1, beating her and biting her face, reports said on Thursday, noting the police are investigating the case, which will be dealt with severely with after the man’s recovery.
The government of East China’s Qingdao in Shandong Province also announced on Thursday that they are investigating a case in which three foreigners were allegedly found to be queue-jumping during a coronavirus test and making disrespectful remarks against Chinese citizens at the scene. The incident also caused great dissatisfaction among Chinese Internet users.
Global Times
