By 
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Zambia has sued News Diggers Media Limited over a documentary it says defames and misrepresents Chinese businesses operating in the country.
The Lusaka High Court has granted an interim injunction restraining News Diggers from airing the programme, which was scheduled for broadcast on the outlet’s social media platforms on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 16:00 hours.
In the lawsuit, Yaolin Shen, Secretary General of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, argues that the documentary — titled “Chinese Investment in Zambia: The Good, The Bad and The Dangerous” — presents a false and one-sided narrative.
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According to the plaintiff, a 1-minute-55-second trailer already published by the media house includes scenes alleging labour abuse, water pollution, community flooding, harassment, violence, and deaths linked to Chinese investments.
It also features an excerpt from a News Diggers article that reads: “Blood Copper – how the senseless rescue turned into mining operations financed by the Chinese, protected by politicians.”
The Chamber contends that the documentary was produced without consulting or seeking comment from any Chinese businesses or the Chamber itself, which coordinates and regulates Chinese commercial interests in Zambia.
Court documents state that a demand letter was sent to News Diggers requesting a delay in publication to allow the Chamber to provide its perspective, but the media house did not respond reasonably.
The Chamber further argues that the documentary could cause serious reputational damage to Chinese businesses that are not connected to any alleged misconduct, despite their significant investments in Zambia’s economy.
As part of the lawsuit, the Chamber is seeking a declaratory order that the documentary is defamatory and a permanent injunction to prevent News Diggers from broadcasting, distributing, or selling the production in any form.
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