Last week, it was reported that Chinese nationals were apprehended while attempting to smuggle into Ethiopia contraband goods in ten containers. The news was received with shock and has been a major topic of discussion by the public.

Ethio-China relations are longstanding. Ethiopia maintained close ties with China even at a time when China was isolated from most of the rest of the world. Even more surprising, the two countries commenced democratic relations during a period when Ethiopia was under imperial rule and China adopted Communism. This demonstrates that the ties between the two countries is historical.

It would be no exaggerating to say that one of China's foremost relationship with African nations happens to be with Ethiopia. This tie is particularly strong in the fields of telecommunications, road construction and commerce. In view of the depth and extent of this tie, some are questioning whether it is wise to place this much trust in China. The sate-owned telecom operator is increasingly relying on Chinese technology and financing; Chinese companies are heavily involved in Ethiopia's road construction projects. Though some are skeptical other are favorable towards awarding projects to the Chinese contractors since they deliver on time. There are even times when we question why road construction projects are warded to local contractors instead of their Chinese counterparts.

Both parties need to act with caution if their current relation is to be bolstered further. The Ethiopian government ensures that Ethiopia's ties with China are based on mutual respect and are in keeping with Ethiopia's interests as well as the laws of the  land. The arrest of Chinese nationals while trying to smuggle in ten containers of illicit goods and the declaration by the government that they had transgressed Ethiopian law demonstrates that the relationship between them does not permit infringing each other's laws.

We expect a similar measure from the government of China. It must punish the individuals, organizations or officials who were involved in this illegal act and inform that Ethiopian people that the perpetrators have been punished. We do not condone illegality on anyone's side.

In some quarters, the news that Chinese citizens  are up to our neck  in contraband trade is not actually a news. They say that it has been going on for some time now. They also accuse them, for instance, of other wrongdoings like leasing machineries imported for such public works as road construction to individuals. We have no proof to assert that such allegations are true or otherwise. This said, however, we expect both the Ethiopian and Chinese governments to investigate whether Chinese citizens carry on illegal activities in Ethiopia and to assure us they do not. If there are any, they should be held accountable.

There are also widely circulating reports that the Chinese have a hand in the black market foreign currency exchange and are in fact behind the rise of the US dollar against the Ethiopian birr. Though we do not know the extent of their involvements there is no denying that they are mixed up in the black market transaction. This involvement in a shady business should be immediately stopped. And the government must closely monitor the situation and take the appropriate legal measures. The Chinese government is also expected to play its role in putting a halt to such an unlawful activity.

We do not presume to prepare a manual for or lecture the government of China on how to maintain respectability in its relations with Ethiopia. Nonetheless, it needs to do precisely this.  

Ethiopia is  a country which is frequented by foreign nationals. Dating back to at least a century, it has been home to Arabs, Italians, French, Germans, Americans, Indians, Armenians etc. None of them, however, have been implicated in the trade of contraband goods or illegal foreign currency exchange. The involvement of some Chinese in such activities sadly reflects poorly on their country. Therefore, prompt action must be taken before the cordial ties between the two countries are damaged.

There is one thing which must be underscored and appreciated well by all. And it is this Ethiopians are hospitable to guests and we value most law-abiding guests.