SYDNEY – The Chinese Embassy and Consulate in Australia on Monday warned Chinese citizens to stay away from the hostage crisis that is taking place at a cafe in Sydney.
The siege at the cafe began on Monday after an armed man, showing Islamic flags, took up to dozens of people hostage.
The Chinese mission issued an emergency warning aimed at protecting Chinese citizens living in Sydney.
The embassy said Martin Place, where the cafe siege is taking place, is in the city centre and it is an important business and financial hub, having a train station and attracting thousands of shoppers and tourists everyday.
The Sydney CBD is a popular destination for international tourists, including an increasing number of Chinese tourists and Chinese students.
“We have been in close contact with the Australian federal government in order to understand the situation, especially to find out if there were any Chinese citizens held hostage,’’ the office said in a statement.
The Chinese consulate general’s office in Sydney said it was in contact with New South Wales (NSW) police to verify whether there were Chinese citizens involved in the siege.
“Police have promised that if there were Chinese hostages involved, they would immediately notify the consulate,’’ a spokesperson said.
Chinese Embassy in Australia and Chinese Consulate General in Sydney have informed Chinese citizens that they could call special emergency numbers for further updates.(Xinhua/NAN)
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