China urges Myanmar to stop violence, punish perpetrators after plants smashed

The Chinese Embassy in Myanmar on Sunday urged Myanmar to take effective measures to stop violence and punish perpetrators after several Chinese-funded factories were smashed and burned by lawbreakers on Sunday, which led to several Chinese being injured.

"China urges Myanmar to take further effective measures to stop all acts of violence, punish the perpetrators in accordance with the law and ensure the safety of life and property of Chinese companies and personnel in Myanmar," read the statement.

China also called on the people of Myanmar to express their demands in a lawful manner and not to be incited or used in a way that undermines Sino-Myanmar ties, according to the statement.

The statement came after over 10 factories, including some Chinese-funded enterprises, were vandalized and set on fire at an industrial zone in Myanmar's Yangon city on Sunday.

Carrying iron rods, axes and gasoline, the arsonists smashed the security personnel and set fires at the factories' entrances and in warehouses. 

Vehicles and nearby shops were also vandalized.

Per reports, several people were injured but identities of arsonists have not been ascertained yet.