Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian Photo: fmprc.gov.cn

 The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday urged overseas China-invested firms and Chinese nationals to strengthen their security precautions, following recent kidnapping incidents in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Nigeria.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks during a regular press conference.

Zhao confirmed that five Chinese nationals were kidnapped in the Province of Sud Kivu in the DRC early on Sunday, and one police officer was killed when the armed group attacked the mining firm. 

"The Chinese Foreign Ministry instructed the Chinese Embassy in the DRC to activate its emergency response mechanism after learning of the incident, and made contact with local departments to conduct rescue efforts to ensure the safety of the hostages," Zhao said.

Eight other Chinese nationals with the firm have been transferred to a safe location, Zhao said.

A liaison employee with the economics and commerce department of the Chinese Embassy in the DRC told the Global Times on Monday that search and rescue operations are underway, and the embassy remains in contact with the DRC government. 

Zhao also said that three Chinese nationals with a China-invested firm in the Kogi State of Nigeria were kidnapped by armed attackers on Friday. Nigeria has established a special investigation squad for the rescue work. 

Zhao said that there have been several cases of Chinese nationals being kidnapped in the DRC and Nigeria this year. The Foreign Ministry and relevant Chinese embassies and consulates have repeatedly reminded Chinese citizens not to go to these regions, and said that firms and personnel in high-risk areas should leave as soon as possible.

Zhao reiterated that overseas China-invested firms and Chinese nationals should pay close attention to the safety risks of such countries, and the safety notices released by the Foreign Ministry, as well as Chinese embassies and consulates. 

They should take the initiative to report information and strengthen safety precautions and make contingency plans for emergencies.