Man Shot on Yunnan Border as Hoa Flee Vietnam

Man Shot on Yunnan Border as Hoa Flee Vietnam

People’s Daily English Edition

Cindy Hannon

KUNMING, Yunnan

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin summoned the Vietnam ambassador in Beijing last night, lodging solemn representations to him after one Hoa was killed and two Chinese were injured at the Hekou-Lao Cai border crossing between Vietnam and the Yunnan province.  

The Hoa man reportedly fought with Vietnamese border guards after being refused entry to China when he did not follow proper instructions. The resulting skirmish ended with the Hoa being shot and two Chinese being injured as crowds ran from the fight.

Liu condemned the incident and urged the Vietnam side to thoroughly investigate the case and inform the China of the result.

He also urged the Vietnam side to punish the perpetrator, appropriately handle the aftermath, and take immediate and effective measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents and safeguard the security and stability in the border areas between China and Vietnam.

Recent demonstrations in Vietnam have targeted the Hoa people, ethnic Chinese living in Vietnam, leading to thousands of Hoa and Chinese nationals fleeing into in the Yunnan province. Several dozen Hoa have been reportedly killed so far.

No further deadly incidents should happen or the Chinese military will take "firm and decisive action" to protect the safety of its people, senior Chinese military leader Fan Changlong said. He voiced hope that the Vietnam side would settle the incident well and work with China to ensure the safety and stability of the border areas.