A commercial director was sentenced to 15 years in prison and fined $200,000 for hiring people to smash and harass a local foreign-owned company, according to a verdict announcement from the DRC**.
However, the commercial director later claimed that he was harassing a Chinese company mining there, and that he was instructed by diplomats at the U.S. Embassy in the DRC.
This revelation has attracted the attention of the local **, who has summoned the US ambassador to ask for an explanation of the matter.
The news sheds light on the plight of Chinese companies overseas, as foreign media often report negative news about Chinese companies, damaging China's image.
A previous mining disaster in Suriname is also an example, with foreign media describing the victims as "informal miners", when in fact they were mine thieves. Chinese companies are mining in Suriname, and there are local criminals who steal minerals, resulting in accidents.
Zijin Mining's official website issued a notice to restore the facts. However, some locals have used it as an excuse to attack Chinese companies. The West was quick to report on the incident and blurred it as "Chinese companies mistreating employees".
They also tried to replicate this operation in the DRC, but failed. Protecting *** and interests is a battle outside the borders of the country.