China and US clash over mining allegations in Nicaragua and Costa Rica

China has rejected accusations from the United States Embassy in Costa Rica regarding the conduct of Chinese mining companies operating in Nicaragua. The dispute centers on claims that these companies employ coercive tactics, such as forcing artisanal miners to sell gold below market prices.

The United States alleges that these practices drive Nicaraguan miners to cross the border into Costa Rica to engage in illegal gold extraction. In response, the Chinese Embassy in Nicaragua stated that the accusations lack factual basis and that Chinese companies do not operate near the Nicaragua-Costa Rica border.

China further argued that the majority of mining companies in Nicaragua are funded by North and Latin American capital, suggesting that the focus on Chinese firms is a double standard intended to discredit cooperation between China and Nicaragua. The Nicaraguan government has expressed support for Beijing’s position.