Nigeria, Feb. 13 -- The Chinese government has rejected allegations by five US Congressmen of sponsoring illegal mining in Nigeria, describing the claims as "completely baseless."

The Chinese embassy also rejected the claim that it was funding radical Islamic groups and ethnic militias to protect its mining interests by "paying protection money to specific militias."

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Chinese embassy in Nigeria said it was deeply dissatisfied with the "false accusations" made by the lawmakers regarding mining activities in Nigeria.

"We express our firm opposition and strong dissatisfaction, and request that the relevant media immediately cease spreading such false information," the statement read in part.

The Emba...