China on Thursday lodged a solemn protest with Vietnam and voiced strong condemnation over the recent violence there against foreign investors and companies that has left a Chinese citizen dead and more than 100 others injured.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed the condemnation in an urgent phone call with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh Thursday evening.

Wang said Vietnam bears unshirkable responsibility for the violent attacks against Chinese companies and nationals. He demanded Vietnam immediately take resolute and effective measures to stop all violence and ensure the safety of the lives and property of all Chinese nationals and companies there.

He also urged for proper arrangement of those companies and nationals, all-out efforts to treat the injured, immediate investigation into the violence, harsh punishment of all perpetrators and compensation for the companies and nationals.

Pham said Vietnam authorities have apprehended more than 1,000 suspects and would severely punish the lawbreakers.

The Vietnam authorities will also take measures to protect the safety of the lives and property of all Chinese nationals and organizations there.

On Thursday afternoon, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin urgently summoned Vietnamese Ambassador to China Nguyen Van Tho and lodged solemn representation.

Liu demanded Vietnam take forceful measures to stop criminal activities and punish the perpetrators, and to ensure the safety of the lives and property of Chinese nationals there.

Also Thursday, China sent a working group, led by Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jianchao, to Vietnam to deal with the aftermath of the deadly violence.