Foreign Ministry Spokesman Qin Gang said: Recently, a riot took place in the capital of Solomon Islands, Honiara, and the local China Town was severely affected. Many stores and residence buildings of the Chinese community, including those of the compatriots from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, were robbed or burnt. Hundreds among the Chinese community were forced out of home to seek asylum.

The Chinese Government attaches great importance to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of overseas Chinese citizens and corporations, including the compatriots from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. We express great concern over the matter and express warm solicitude for the affected local Chinese and ethnic Chinese people.

Chinese leaders have instructed the Foreign Ministry to closely follow the development and ensure the safety of local Chinese citizens. The Foreign Ministry has activated the emergency response mechanism. We require the Government of Solomon Islands to take concrete measures immediately and effectively protect the personal and property safety of Chinese citizens in the Solomon Islands.

Editor: Yan