China accepts that its citizens who sell sub-standard goods to African nations must be punished

CHINA'S government has conceded that its citizens who violate the laws of African nations and who flood their markets with sub-standard and dangerous products must be prepared to face the consequences of their actions.

Under China's Belt and Road Initiative development strategy Beijing aims to build connectivity and co-operation across six main economic corridors. This has led to widespread expansion across Africa, with state investment in infrastructure and Chinese businesses delving into all facets of economic life.

However, this has created several problems as many Chinese citizens have fallen foul of the law across numerous African nations. Wu Peng, the director-general of China's Department of African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed concern about increasing cases of sub-standard products, adding that Beijing wants the complaints of low-quality products involving China and Africa to be collectively addressed.

Speaking in Beijing at the China Africa Press Centre Programme hosted by the China Public Diplomacy Association, Mr Peng said the authorities also encourage nationals and companies living and working in Africa to contribute through social responsibility to communities. He added that the Chinese government has declared support for sanctions against its citizens who violate laws in African nations.

Mr Peng added: “If some Chinese in Africa violate the rule of law they must face consequences, no doubt about it. Our government always advocates that our nationals must respect African people, respect your culture and follow the rule of law of local country.”

Admitting some bad apples do bad things, he said such isolated cases do not represent all Chinese. Mr Peng also assured that his government does not consider crimes by some Africans to represent all Africans.

“The same thing applies if Chinese nationals violate the rule of law, we condemn it. We also respect our own rule of law to handle these kinds of cases,” Mr Peng added.

He added the issue of sub-standard products was commercial and should not affect political or bilateral relations.  On the quality of certain products that do not meet African consumers’ expectations, Mr Peng called for partnership to change the situation.