Foreign and Military Affairs

China calls for proper solution to Zambia coal mine incident

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-10-21 21:36

BEIJING - China on Thursday called for a proper solution to the Zambia coal mine incident in which 11 local employees and three Chinese were injured.

"We hope related Chinese companies and the Zambian side could solve the problems properly," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu at a regular news briefing.

On Oct 15, an incident arising from a pay dispute happened at a mine at Sinazongwe in Zambia's south. There was massive damage to mine equipment in addition to the injuries, according to a statement of China's embassy in Zambia on Wednesday.

Zambian police on Monday arrested two Chinese managers.

Ma said the Chinese government has always required Chinese overseas companies strictly comply with the laws and regulations of the host countries and live in harmony with local people.

China supports qualified enterprises investing in Africa and safeguarding local employees' rights and protecting the local environment, said Ma.