China has dismissed claims by five United States lawmakers that it is backing illegal mining operations and funding militias in Nigeria, calling the allegations “entirely unfounded.”

The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria issued the statement on Thursday in response to a bill recently introduced in the US Congress.

The move introduces a diplomatic angle to ongoing discussions about mining regulation, security, and foreign participation in Nigeria’s extractive industry.

The proposed US legislation connects alleged illegal mining by Chinese nationals to terrorism financing and religious violence in Nigeria.

China, however, maintained that its citizens and companies operating in Nigeria are strictly bound to follow local laws and regulations.

The Chinese Embassy expressed deep dissatisfaction with what it called false accusations by the US lawmakers.

It emphasized that China has zero tolerance for illegal mining and denied any involvement in funding militant groups.

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

“The Chinese Embassy has consistently required Chinese companies and citizens overseas to strictly abide by the laws and regulations of the host country.

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

“It must be emphasised that Chinese mining enterprises in Nigeria are victims of terrorist activities,” it stated.

The embassy also stated that Chinese companies actively support local communities, safeguard the environment, and promote bilateral cooperation and job creation, while committing to ongoing collaboration with Nigerian authorities to enhance mining governance.

Earlier this week, five Republican lawmakers in the US Congress introduced the “Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026.”

The bill’s sponsors are Riley Moore, Chris Smith, Bill Huizenga, Brian Mast, and Mario Diaz-Balart.

The legislation aims to address what the lawmakers described as religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria.

It alleges that Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining operations are paying protection money to armed groups.

The bill connects illegal mining activities to terrorism financing and religious violence, especially in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.

It alleges that militant groups have conducted organized attacks, including killings, abductions, property destruction, and the displacement of civilians.