Myanmar urged to protect Chinese citizens after factory attack

(ECNS) -- China has urged Myanmar to take effective measures immediately to protect the safety of Chinese citizens and the property of Chinese companies following an attack against a garment factory.

About 200 Burmese strikers smashed into Hangzhou Baiyi Garments, located in an industrial zone in Yangon, and robbed some Chinese employees of their cash at about 7 a.m. local time on Thursday, according to a Chinese employee at the factory.

The garment factory was established in Myanmar three years ago, and has about 500 Burmese employees and 10 Chinese employees.

The Chinese Embassy in Myanmar said on its official website that it had contacted the ministries of foreign affairs and home affairs, as well as officials in Yangon, to lodge a solemn representation to Myanmar.

China also urged Myanmar to punish the perpetrators according to law.

Myanmar has vowed to address the issue as soon as possible and protect the safety and rights of Chinese citizens and companies.

Officials from the Chinese Embassy also visited the factory and asked Myanmar authorities to help resume order.