The Chinese government has denied allegations by the United States that it is sponsoring illegal mining in Nigeria.

Naija News reports that five US Congressmen had, in a bill, accused Chinese nationals involved in “illegal mining” operations of paying terrorists for protection.

The bill titled “Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026” linked Chinese illegal mining to terrorism funding in Nigeria.

The lawmakers are: Riley Moore of West Virginia, Chris Smith (New Jersey), Bill Huizenga (Michigan), Brian Mast (Florida), and Mario Diaz-Balart (Florida).

According to the lawmakers, the bill aimed at addressing what they described as ongoing religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria.

“The Secretary of State should work with the Government of Nigeria to counteract the hostile foreign exploitation of Chinese illegal mining operations and their destabilising practice of paying protection money to Fulani militias,” the five lawmakers stated in their bill.

However, in a statement on Thursday, the Chinese embassy in Nigeria declared that the majority of Chinese mining companies in the country have set an “exemplary record of compliance with Nigerian laws and regulations.”

The embassy rejected the claim that it was funding radical Islamic groups and ethnic militias to protect its mining interests by “paying protection money to specific militias.”

“We express our firm opposition and strong dissatisfaction, and request that the relevant media immediately cease spreading such false information,” the statement read in part.

The Embassy noted that China requires all its nationals to abide by the Nigerian mining regulations, adding that the country has “zero tolerance for mining companies involved in any illegal activities.

“The overwhelming majority of Chinese mining companies in Nigeria have set an exemplary record of compliance with Nigerian laws and regulations.

“They actively give back to local communities, fulfil their social responsibilities, protect the natural environment, and have made positive contributions to deepening bilateral mining cooperation, supporting local economic development, and creating employment opportunities,” it declared.