This screen grab from AFPTV video footage taken on January 10, 2024 shows people carrying items as crowds leave shops with looted goods amid a state of unrest in Port Moresby. Photo: VCG

The Chinese Embassy in Papua New Guinea (PNG) on Thursday reminded Chinese nationals and institutions in the country to closely monitor the local situation, strengthen security precautions, and avoid going outside or remaining in crowded areas in a notice after a wave of riots, looting and arson hit the Pacific Island country.

In the notice, the embassy said there are no reports of deaths of Chinese nationals but several who suffered minor  injuries after localized riots and looting struck the capital Port Moresby on Wednesday, including a number of Chinese stores and other commercial venues. On Thursday, unrest spread to other cities including Lae and Goroka.

The embassy lodged a strong protest with the PNG authorities regarding the attacks on Chinese businesses, requiring effective measures from PNG to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals and business establishments and severely punishment to the attackers.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in PNG will provide timely consular protection and assistance to Chinese nationals and institutions in PNG, spokesperson Mao Ning on Thursday press conference.

The Chinese Ambassador to PNG Zeng Fanhua visited the Chinese community in Port Moresby on Thursday morning to inspect Chinese shops damaged during the riots on Wednesday and expressed condolences to the Chinese compatriots who were attacked. 

Zeng said that the embassy will make every effort to safeguard the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese nationals and institutions in PNG, and provide all necessary support to those affected by the current situation. "The local situation remains unstable. We hope everyone will continue to be vigilant, united, and supportive of each other to ensure personal safety," said Zeng.

A police and public sector protest on Wednesday over a pay cut which officials blamed on an administrative glitch descended into lawlessness over the day, with TV footage showing thousands in the streets of Port Moresby, many carrying what appeared to be looted merchandise as black smoke billowed over the city, Reuters reported.

"Everything was normal when I went out for work on Wednesday morning. Then the riots began. So many opportunists poured into the streets, robing stores and supermarkets and setting fires on the buildings," a  Chinese national surnamed Wu who works at a Chinese-funded enterprise in Port Moresby told the Global Times on Thursday.

"I almost couldn't make it back to my residence. Luckily, I encountered two local security companies escorting a convoy on the way. I blended into the convoy, followed hard after it and safely went back home. I was really scared at that time as both sides of the road were filled with people holding sticks and stones in their hands, spanning several hundred meters, ready to stop and knock on the cars," Wu said.

Wu said this is one of the severest riots he has witnessed after arrving  in PNG in August 2020. "The company told us to stay within our residential compound. We still have the food which the company purchased every week. And I heard from my friend that the international airport closed with all international flights cancelled," Wu said.

According to Li Huadong, Secretary-General of the China-Papua New Guinea Friendship Association and the Papua New Guinea China-Aid Center, who resides locally, on Wednesday morning, the police initiated a work stoppage to express dissatisfaction with the government's tax reforms and salary cuts. Due to the absence of police patrols, some local residents looted numerous Chinese-owned shops. Not just physical property, but also the safety of Chinese residents also faces a serious threat, Li said, as quoted by the Paper.

Fifteen people were killed and dozens were injured Papua New Guinea as of 12 pm on Thursday local time, according to reporting by Australian state broadcaster ABC.