On June 18, a Nigerian man got into a fight with a Chinese electric rickshaw driver over fares before they were brought to the police station of Yuexiu district in Guangzhou for investigation.
A few hours later, the Nigerian national suddenly fell into a coma, and died despite receiving first aid. The next day, over 100 African people gathered in front of the police station, stopping traffic.
There is no reason for now to think the police were responsible for the man's death. The traffic halt disturbed public order. The Guangzhou police had their officers communicate with the crowd and manage the traffic congestion.
There are many African people living in Guangzhou. Some media reports claimed that the number could be as many as 200,000. Although this is only 2 percent of the local population, it still represents a significant group. As such, frequent communication between them and local people is expected, but so are conflicts.
Moreover, their demands for social interaction and public services must be faced up to by local authorities and satisfied as best as can be.
Today, an increasing number of foreign people come to China, leading to demographic changes and fresh issues.
Although foreign investors, students and skilled workers are generally more welcomed in China, this expectation is proving increasingly difficult to satisfy in an age of rapid globalization,
Under the circumstances, issues including how to deal with cultural differences, social concepts and ways of living with foreigners must be thought upon.
Further issues meriting discussion are how best to cope with competition in the job market and public resources distribution.
Recently, cities such as Beijing have cracked down on illegal immigration, residence and employment of foreigners. It shows that China is beginning to focus on this issue.
Openness and tolerance should be the principles the country abides by as it seeks to provide a welcoming environment for both local Chinese citizens and foreigners.
Changjiang Daily