LUSAKA – The Chinese Embassy in Zambia has responded sharply to a documentary aired by News Diggers titled Chinese Investment in Zambia – The Good, The Bad and The Dangerous, accusing the media house of bias and distortion in its portrayal of China’s role in the country.
The statement, issued by the embassy’s spokesperson, claims the production unfairly downplayed China’s economic and social contributions to Zambia and instead focused on isolated criminal incidents not directly linked to Chinese investment.
The embassy described the documentary as lacking professional integrity and questioned the intentions behind its release. It called on News Diggers to correct its reporting and approach China-related stories in a more balanced and factual manner.
China’s presence in Zambia dates back over six decades, with the embassy citing historical milestones such as the construction of the TAZARA Railway, which it said symbolised solidarity during Zambia’s early independence. The statement also referred to recent large-scale projects funded and constructed by Chinese companies, including new airport terminals, energy facilities like the Kafue Gorge Lower Power Station, and ongoing road and mining infrastructure developments.
According to the embassy, China was the leading source of investment pledges at the 2025 ZDA Investment Conference, with six companies signing contracts worth US$2.6 billion.
The embassy also defended the social responsibility of Chinese businesses operating in Zambia, referencing donations during health crises, support to orphanages, and cultural contributions through events like the Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show.
While insisting that China respects media freedom, the embassy warned against what it described as “malicious sensationalism” and urged Zambian journalists to report responsibly without harming diplomatic ties or investor confidence. It reiterated China’s zero-tolerance policy on criminal conduct by its nationals and said isolated incidents should not be used to judge broader cooperation efforts.
Watch News Diggers Documentary Episode 1 – Chinese Investment in Zambia
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