China shocked by fatal riot at Chinese-run sugar factory in Madagascar

The Chinese Embassy in Madagascar has expressed shock at a deadly riot at a Chinese-run sugar plant and criticized the island nation's government for failing to protect Chinese interests.

The statement Sunday came four days after local workers looted the sugar plant in Morondava and clashed with Madagascar security forces, leaving two people dead.

The embassy says the Chinese staff evacuated the factory because of fears for their safety.

According to the embassy, the workers have been causing trouble after their "unreasonable demands" were turned down. The statement does not say what the demands were.

China is Africa's largest trading partner, but closer ties have resulted in sometimes violent labor disputes.