Radio France Internationale (RFI) Chinese Edition recently reported on looting occurring in Mozambique, a key recipient of Chinese funds under Beijing’s Belt and Road program. The country has been rocked by large-scale riots following a recent election.
According to RFI, Chinese-owned businesses were targets of looting in these riots, and some Mozambican citizens even used Chinese-made armored vehicles to break into Chinese-run supermarkets. In addition to looting Chinese-owned stores, the country’s agricultural demonstration center, a joint project of the Chinese and Mozambican governments, was ransacked during the unrest. To safeguard their assets, some Chinese merchants reportedly used firearms for self-defense.
Beijing has reportedly taken no action to protect or evacuate its citizens during these riots. Media outlets in China have remained silent on the situation in Mozambique.
According to RFI, increasing numbers of Africans have come to view Chinese nationals as “cash cows” as Beijing has increased its investment in the continent through the Belt and Road program, with some local police reportedly extorting Chinese nationals.
Source: Radio France International, January 3, 2025
https://www.rfi.fr/cn/非洲/20250103-莫桑比克示威抗议传用中国装甲车洗劫中国商店