The Chinese Embassy In Ecuador Activates Emergency Protection Mechanism

JAKARTA - The Chinese Embassy in Ecuador activated an emergency protection mechanism after security disturbances in the country.

"On the instructions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, our Embassy and Consulate in Ecuador immediately activate an emergency mechanism for consular protection," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning when delivering a statement to the media in Beijing as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, January 10.

On Tuesday (9/1), a group of gunmen stormed a television station in Ecuador while the crew was broadcasting live. Gunmen even held several journalists and television crew hostage until about 30 minutes later the police arrived and claimed to have released all staff and arrested 13 people.

This happened after Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared a national emergency situation for 60 days on Monday (8/1) due to the escape of one of the most famous gangster leaders from prison, Jose Adolfo Macias or known as Fito.

"We are also gathering information about the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in Ecuador and we have reminded them through various channels to take preventive measures," added Mao Ning.

So far, according to Mao Ning, there have been no reports of deaths or injuries from Chinese citizens in Ecuador.

"Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy and Consulate in Ecuador will continue to follow developments in the field and provide consular protection and assistance to Chinese citizens," said Mao Ning.

The Chinese government, said Mao Ning, supports Ecuador's government in maintaining social stability and hopes that the country can restore order as soon as possible.

"We also hope Ecuador seriously guarantees the safety of China's society and institutions in Ecuador," said Mao Ning.

Security disturbances were widespread in Ecuador after Jose Adolfo Macias, leader of the Los Choneros gang, escaped from prison in the city of Guayaquil. A number of inmates were reportedly holding several guards hostage and threatened to kill them if soldiers were deployed to control the prison.

The group has alliances with Mexico's ruling Sinaloa drug cartel and smuggling drugs from Colombia through Ecuador's port cities to the US and Europe.

In Guayaquil, eight people were killed and two injured in an attack linked to a criminal gang on Tuesday (9/1).

President Noboa ordered the armed forces to "retract" the gangs described as "terrorist organizations". Shops, schools, government offices and buildings were closed, the workers were sent home.