China has expressed concern over unrest in Argentina and urged Buenos Aires to step up efforts to protect the lives and property of ethnic Chinese in the country.
"On December 19, the Argentine government instituted martial law nationwide. The Chinese side expresses its concern," foreign ministry spokeswoman Ms Zhang Qiyue said.
"The Chinese Embassy in Argentina has already asked the Argentine government to protect the lives, property and security of Chinese in Argentina," she said.
Some supermarkets owned by overseas Chinese in Argentina had been robbed, Ms Zhang said, referring to mounting unrest over a crumbling economy that erupted into widespread looting and has left at least four dead.
"We believe that the Argentine government and people should overcome their difficulties, rejuvenate their economy and return to stability," she said.
AFP