Chinese in Bishkek hit by looters

Chinese citizens have been warned not to go to Kyrgyzstan after dozens of Chinese shops in the capital Bishkek were robbed or ransacked in two days of chaos and looting.

Riots in the Central Asian state have left at least three people dead, but unconfirmed reports have put the number as high as six.

The chinese Embassy in Bishkek said at least four Chinese citizens were injured in the riots and two are in serious condition.

"The unrest has caused the worst economic damage for Chinese traders in Kyrgyzstan in more than 10 years of bilateral ties," the embassy said.

The embassy is contacting Kyrgyz authorities to try to ensure the physical safety and property of Chinese citizens are protected. It said it will take all possible measures to protect the 10,000 Chinese in Bishkek and help the victims.

"Due to ongoing concerns about the possibility of robbery targeting foreigners and their interests, the Chinese Embassy continues to warn all Chinese citizens of the danger in Kyrgyzstan and advise them to avoid any unnecessary confrontation with local people," it said.

Chinese citizens who are not in Kyrgyzstan should defer all non-essential travel to the country, the embassy said.

The Guoying Trading Center, a locally renowned shopping mall owned by Chinese traders, was gutted on Thursday night, as a result of arson.

Police and civilian volunteers appeared yesterday to have stemmed the looting that raged through Bishkek after demonstrators stormed the presidential headquarters on Thursday and sent President Askar Akayev fleeing to Russia.

Source: Xinhua/Shanghai Daily