The diplomatic rift between Washington and Beijing has intensified as China fired at the U.S over claims of funding illegal mining in Nigeria.
The dispute centers on a new U.S legislative push, the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, which accused Chinese entities of funding local militias to secure access to mineral-rich lands.
The controversy erupted after five Republican lawmakers introduced a bill linking Chinese mining operations to the financing of radical groups and ethnic militias.
The U.S congressmen argued that these companies pay “protection money” to armed groups, thereby fueling the insecurity that has plagued Nigeria’s North-West and North-Central regions.
China fired back at the U.S over claims of funding illegal mining in Nigeria describing them as “completely baseless.”
The Chinese mission in Abuja expressed “strong dissatisfaction,” claiming that the U.S. is using “groundless accusations” to sabotage the growing economic partnership between China and Africa’s largest economy.
Responding to the allegations, the Chinese Embassy, in a statement by its Head of Press, Chen Hong said: “Recently, a bill introduced by certain US congressmen groundlessly accused China of engaging in illegal mining operations in Nigeria and paying protection money to specific militia groups. Some media reported on this bill and fabricated claims such as ‘Chinese mining companies funding terrorism.’
“These accusations are completely baseless. We express our firm opposition and strong dissatisfaction, and request that the relevant media immediately cease spreading such false information.”
The embassy maintained that Chinese companies operating abroad are required to comply strictly with the laws and regulations of host countries and that the majority of Chinese mining firms in Nigeria have maintained a record of compliance.
It stated that Chinese firms had contributed positively to local communities, created employment opportunities, and supported economic development, while fulfilling social responsibilities and protecting the environment.
It explained, “The Chinese Embassy has consistently required Chinese companies and citizens overseas to strictly abide by the laws and regulations of the host country, to operate lawfully and compliantly, and to show zero tolerance toward any enterprise involved in illegal or criminal activities.
“The overwhelming majority of Chinese mining companies in Nigeria have set an exemplary record of compliance with Nigerian laws and regulations.
“They actively give back to local communities, fulfil their social responsibilities, protect the natural environment, and have made positive contributions to deepening bilateral mining cooperation, supporting local economic development, and creating employment opportunities.”
The embassy also stressed that China respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and supports efforts to strengthen mining governance in accordance with Nigerian laws. It added that Chinese mining enterprises had themselves been victims of insecurity and terrorist activities in the country.
“The Chinese side has always respected Nigeria’s sovereignty and supports Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen mining governance in accordance with law and regulations. The Chinese Embassy maintains close communication and cooperation with relevant Nigerian authorities at all times.
“It must be emphasised that Chinese mining enterprises in Nigeria are victims of terrorist activities. They have consistently supported and are willing to cooperate with the Nigerian government’s efforts to safeguard national security.
“The Chinese side stands ready to work together with Nigeria to further strengthen mining cooperation and governance, promote the healthy, orderly, and sustainable development of China-Nigeria mining cooperation, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises from both sides, and bring benefits to the peoples of both countries,” the statement further noted.
The embassy added, “The Chinese side urges relevant parties to immediately stop spreading rumours and slander, and cease actions that undermine China-Nigeria friendly cooperation.
“We hope that Nigerian media and people from all sectors will view China-Nigeria mining cooperation in an objective and fair manner, and will not allow individuals with ulterior motives to exploit them by disseminating false information, thereby affecting China-Nigeria friendly cooperation and damaging the friendship between the two peoples.”
