China has expressed “deep shock” and condemned an attack on its consulate in the second largest city in Myanmar and called on the Myanmar government to “deal with the perpetrators seriously”.
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Speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Monday, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China was “deeply shocked” by an attack on its consulate in Mandalay on Friday.
A consulate office building was damaged but no personnel were hurt in the attack, which involved an explosive device, according to Lin.
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Myanmar’s military government lost direct control over 86% of its territory after months of fighting
Myanmar’s military government lost direct control over 86% of its territory after months of fighting
“China has expressed its deep shock at the attack and sternly condemned it,” Lin said. “The Chinese foreign ministry and our embassy and consulate in Myanmar have immediately initiated our emergency response … and lodged a solemn protest with the Myanmar side.
“We urged the Myanmar authorities to thoroughly investigate the attack, and spare no efforts in bringing the perpetrators to justice, step up security for Chinese institutions, projects and personnel in Myanmar, and prevent similar incidents from happening again,” he added.
Following the attack on Friday, the Chinese consulate in Mandalay issued a security warning, urging all Chinese nationals, companies and organisations to pay close attention to local situations and step up security measures, China’s state media reported.
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Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military junta deposed the government of Aung San Suu Kyi and seized power in 2021, and intense fighting broke out in northern Myanmar between local rebel groups and the military government.