China's Foreign Ministry on Thursday reminded foreigners in China that they should abide by Chinese law on epidemic prevention and treatment, noting that foreigners who disrupt the epidemic prevention order and endanger public health and safety will be held legally responsible under the law.

The ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying made the response after several foreigners in China recently failed to comply with quarantine measures, with some beating up medical staff, aroused online discussions.

"We have noticed several online reports on this issue," said Hua. "It is very sad to see such reports."

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19, China has actively provided assistance to foreign nationals in China for epidemic prevention and livelihood protection, added Hua.

"Chinese and foreign citizens in China are treated equal" when it comes to measures and regulations on containing the pandemic, she said. "Foreigners who defy epidemic prevention measures and disrupt public order, thus endangering public health and safety, will be held accountable according to law." 

According to the police in south China's Guangzhou, a 47-year-old Nigerian COVID-19 patient refused to cooperate with treatment procedures and assaulted and injured a nurse at a hospital in the city. 

Guangzhou police said on Thursday that it has decided to file a criminal case and launch an investigation against the patient, identified as Okonkwonwoye Chika Patrick.