CRI听力:China Complains to S. Africa over Xenophobic Attacks

The Chinese government has made formal representations to the government of South Africa following a series of attacks against Chinese interests in the country.

A number of stores run by Chinese nationals have been looted over the past few weeks amid a growing amount of xenophobic violence.

The violence first began in the city of Durban, then spread to Johannesburg.

It's being sparked by growing complaints by locals in South Africa that foreigners are entering the country illegally and are involved in illegal trade and other illegal activities.

At least six people have reportedly been killed in the violence, most of them foreigners.

No Chinese casualties have been reported.

The Chinese Embassy and Consulates in South Africa are calling for immediate and effective measures to protect the personal safety and property of Chinese nationals.

The anger has been mostly aimed at foreigners from different African countries.

But at the same time, a rally has also been held in Durban, calling for peace.

"If you look carefully we as black people are attacking one another, I have never witnessed people attacking whites or any other race it is only black people attacking one another. It is clear that black people do not want to see one another progressing".

However, an anti-immigration rally has also taken place in Johannesburg, triggering clashes between protesters and police.

Local mayor Mondli Gungubele is calling for an end to the violence.

"When Africa is stable and Africa is at peace, there is a chance for prosperity and we are saying to our people: 'let's stop doing this'. We are saying to those who are doing it they must know the law would not play games with them."

South Africa is home to an estimated 5 million immigrants, which is around one-tenth of the country's total population.