Foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian is making remarks at a press briefing. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The murder of three Chinese people in Zambia is an isolated case which will not affect the friendly cooperation between China and Zambia, the Chinese foreign ministry said at a daily briefing on Wednesday. 

The three Chinese nationals from East China's Jiangsu Province were murdered on Sunday by three local Zambians who then set fire to the warehouse at the Chinese clothing company where they worked.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian expressed sorrow for the victims and sympathy to their family members. 

 "We believe isolated case won't affect the mainstream of friendly cooperation between China and Zambia," the spokesperson said. 

After the murders, the Chinese embassy in Zambia made solemn representations to the Zambian side, urging the Zambian authorities to punish the perpetrator in accordance with laws and take effective measures to protect the lives of Chinese living in Zambia.

Global Times