Minister dispels rumours

that the incident should be seen purely as a case of employer/employee misunderstanding and should not affect the strong bilateral relations that exist between the two countries.
Last Saturday, workers at Collum Coal Mine rioted over wage disputes, resulting in the killing of one Chinese worker and injuring of four others.
“The government of Zambia is concerned that there is an impression being created that this unfortunate incident has a bearing on the relations between Zambia and China.
“I would like to dispel any notion that the relations between Zambia and China have been negatively affected,” he said.
He assured that his government will maintain the long-standing relations with China, which he said, has resulted in increased Chinese                investments in the country and enhanced economic and social cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels.
The Zambian minister said he held discussions with Chinese ambassador to Zambia who assured that the incident will not affect the relations between the two countries.
“The growing level of Chinese investments in Zambia is indicative of the stable and conducive environment that continues to prevail in the country,” he added.
Some sections of society in the southern African nation have warned that the killing of the Chinese national will have a negative bearing on the relations between the two countries. — Xinhua.