The authorities in Papua New Guinea have sent extra police to four towns (the capital Port Moresby, Madang, Kainantu and Goroka) to protect Chinese shop owners from looters. The rioting began last week during an anti-immigration march in Port Moresby.

Chinese companies have been investing in mining operations in the impoverished country. Many Papuans have complained about working conditions at the mines; there have also been clashes with Chinese workers. Construction of a 1.25-billion-euro nickel mine and processing plant was temporarily halted last week following a fight between Papuans and Chinese workers.