China on Tuesday urged Papua New Guinea (PNG) to strengthen protection for Chinese enterprises and citizens, and required the PNG government to punish rioters who have recently targeted and ransacked Chinese businesses.

China's embassy in PNG had lodged presentation to the PNG government and had called for police reinforcements, said Ma Zhaoxu, spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, when asked for comments on looting activities targeted at Chinese enterprises and personnel in PNG at a regular press conference.

"The Chinese embassy to PNG has informed enterprises and citizens to strengthen safeguarding measures," Ma said.

"The PNG government attached great importance to China's concern, and had sent police reinforcements to maintain order and protect Chinese enterprises and personnel," said Ma.

Local people ransacked several foreign shops in Lae and another two cities in PNG last week. Information from the Chinese embassy to PNG showed that nine Chinese-owned shops were looted, but no Chinese were injured or killed.

Most of the foreign shops have restored their businesses.

(Xinhua News Agency May 20, 2009)