China Trying to Contain Damage Following Racism against Africans in Guangzhou

Foreign Policy posted on 15 April 2020 a commentary titled "China's Racism Is Wrecking Its Success in Africa" by Celine Sui, a US-based journalist.

The author reports on the racism experienced by the African community, including many from Nigeria, in Guangzhou over concerns that COVID-19 is prevalent among Africans. There was also an apparent increase in virulent racism aimed at Africans on Chinese social media.

Chinese officials and embassies in Africa moved quickly to contain the damage and have had some success with African officials. Nigerian leaders have already reversed course and others have moved on to other issues. The big question is the impact this will have on the African street. That may be harder to silence.