China on Thursday urged Argentina to protect Chinese citizens' security and interests after a Chinese citizen was killed in recent riots and looting.

"The end of year is a period of high criminal cases in Argentina. The department of consular affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Argentina will continue to urge the Argentine side to take concrete action to protect Chinese citizens' security and interests," said foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei at a regular press conference on Thursday.

Unrest during a police strike that began on December 4, has spread to 17 provinces of Argentina and at least eight people have been killed, according to local media reports. Some Chinese supermarkets were looted during the unrest.

Hong confirmed the death of one Chinese citizen and added that the embassy lodged representations and urged Argentina to solve the case as soon as possible. The embassy will provide assistance to the relatives of the sufferers.

The spokesman also reminded Chinese citizens in the South American country to pay close attention to local security situations, be aware of risks, and take necessary precautionary measures.

Chinese Vice-Minister of Public Security Li Wei has gone to Argentina to discuss the joint fight against organized crime toward Chinese in Argentina and looting.

Xinhua