By Mohammed Danlami
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has relayed the mandate of the Central Government in Beijing to all overseas Chinese nationals to obey the laws of their host countries.
The Embassy at the same time conveyed the commitment of China to protect the interests of its nationals worldwide.
An Embassy statement in Abuja today (Tuesday July 8) said these positions are coming following recent cases of some Chinese nationals who have been tried by Nigerian judicial authorities in connection with telecommunications and online fraud.
The Embassy said it hereby states the following positions regarding the matter:
“Over the past year, Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies stepped up efforts to combat telecommunications and arrested a large number of suspects, including some Chinese nationals.
“Telecommunications and online fraud represent matters of common international concern, while containing such transnational criminal activities remains a shared challenge confronting governments worldwide.
“The Chinese government maintains an unwavering stance against telecommunications and online fraud, and any form of cross-border illegal activities. This position is reinforced through stricter conduct regulations for citizens abroad and dedicated legislation efforts. The government mandates Chinese nationals overseas to strictly comply with local laws and regulations and abstain from illicit activities. China’s Anti-Telecommunications and Online Fraud Law, released in 2022, also demonstrates our zero-tolerance policy and resolute commitment to combating such crimes.
“Meanwhile, the Chinese government remains firmly committed to protecting its citizens’ interests abroad. Through diplomatic missions worldwide, it requests host governments to safeguard Chinese nationals’ legitimate rights and interests under local laws and regulations.
“The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria supports Nigeria’s efforts to combat telecommunications and online fraud. Building on this commitment and guided by the consensus reached between Chinese and Nigerian leaders, China stands ready to strengthen law enforcement cooperation with Nigeria. This includes joint operations targeting online gambling, scams, and other transnational crimes to foster a more peaceful and secure cyberspace.
“Such collaboration will safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese nationals in Nigeria and elevate the China-Nigeria Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights,” the Embassy statement said.
Recall that the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos State, on Monday, July 7, 2025, convicted and sentenced nine Chinese to one year imprisonment each for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.
The convicted Chinese are Qin Xiao Yong, Luo Mao Yang, Liu Ni Ni, Liu Gang, Sun Qi, Zhang Juan, Li de Wen, Fun Min, and Tan Ming.
News reports said the convicts are among the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investments.
