Diplomatic Protection

Italian police clashed with Chinese merchants over traffic control in Milan's Chinatown, causing at least 10 Chinese nationals to be injured. The Chinese Foreign Ministry made a statement, saying, "We hope the Italian side deals fairly with the issue and seriously considers the justified demands of local Chinese nationals and takes real measures to protect their legitimate rights and interests." Chinese Ambassador to Italy later asked the Italian authorities to strengthen communications with Chinese merchants and take their traditions and cultural background into consideration.