China asks Russia to take measures to protect Chinese nationals

The Chinese Consulate General in Yekaterinburg made representations to Russia over a robbery case resulting in the death of a Chinese national and urged the Russian side to crack the case as soon as possible, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said Monday.

A Chinese merchant was killed and another injured Saturday during a robbery in Russia's Yekaterinburg, the Chinese Consulate General in the city said Sunday.

Spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at the ministry's regular press briefing that it is an individual case and the consulate has sent consular officers to the site immediately to assist the victims.

The Chinese side demanded severe punishment of the murderer and asked the Russian side to take effective measures to protect the safety and legitimate rights of Chinese nationals.

The consulate has sent safety alerts to Chinese nationals and informed them to ramp up safety preparedness, she said, adding that the injured Chinese person has checked out of the hospital.

According to Hua, the consulate will follow the development of the case and offer assistance in handling the aftermath.