The Chinese Embassy in Colombia has confirmed recent reports on protests by local people against businesses owned by Chinese residents in Bogota, Colombia's capital.

The embassy has urged the Colombian government to enforce the law impartially and to ensure the security of Chinese people in the country, as well as their legitimate rights and interests.

On May 18, the demonstrators accused local Chinese businesses of threatening theirs by selling goods at lower prices and seizing their market share, and called on people to purchase products made domestically in Bogota.

Local authorities shut down several Chinese shops due to smuggling and tax evasion, and 13 Chinese were detained for unlawful residence on May 23.

On May 25, about 50 local dealers demonstrated again, several Chinese businessmen were hurt and their shops smashed.

In recent years, many Chinese people came to Colombia to work in the clothing business and other trades in wholesales and retail. Because of different business practices and price variance, local dealers felt discontent towards Chinese businessmen, according to Xinhua News Agency.