Martin Endjala
Zhao Weiping, the Chinese Ambassador to Namibia, has urged Chinese nationals living in Namibia to adhere to local laws, regulations, and cultural norms.
Weiping made this statement during the 2024 Chinese Spring Festival Gala hosted by the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Namibia (CGCCIN) last week in Windhoek.
The Ambassador stressed that Chinese nationals in Namibia play a crucial role as a bridge of friendship between China and Namibia and serve as ambassadors of China in Namibia.
However, there have been concerns lately regarding Chinese nationals allegedly violating local laws.
He expressed the hope that various Chinese community organizations in Namibia would continue to unite Chinese nationals and assist them in integrating into local society.
“We hope that every Chinese national here will ‘do as the Namibians do while in Namibia,’ abide by local laws and regulations, respect local culture, and contribute to the social and economic development of their new home, Namibia while promoting the traditional friendship between China and Namibia,” he said.
In contrast, Weiping mentioned that during the Chinese diplomatic envoys’ annual work conference for overseas diplomats in foreign countries in 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed deep concern for overseas Chinese.
The Chinese President emphasized that over 1.4 billion Chinese people strongly support diplomatic efforts and urged diplomats to prioritize diplomacy for the people, conveying the care and concern of the Communist Party of China and Central Committee to every overseas Chinese.
As a result, the Ambassador stated that all diplomatic staff at the Chinese Embassy in Namibia are determined to implement the President’s instructions, actively promote the legitimate interests of all Chinese nationals, and wholeheartedly serve them as close friends.
He reiterated his call for all Chinese nationals to comply with Namibian laws, emphasizing the bilateral relationship and continued aspirations of partnership between the two nations.
Meanwhile, activist Michael Amushelelo recently alleged that the Chinese Embassy was exploiting its employees and demanded a response.
He warned that failing to address these concerns would compel him to organize a demonstration.
In response, the Embassy refuted the allegations, stating that claims of low pay, forced work, lack of overtime compensation, no provision for injury compensation, and mistreatment are false and baseless.
Their statement also mentioned that, in addition to complying with the laws of the Republic of Namibia, the Embassy adheres to local standards of business practices, including providing medical aid and pension benefits.
