BEIJING - China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) Monday urged Chinese businesses in Libya to pay increased attention to their security and suggested Chinese businessmen planning to visit Libya to defer their plans for the time being.

The MOC suggested Chinese businesses located where the riots were worst to contact the Chinese Embassy in Libya and move to safe areas if necessary.

Libya has been rocked by deadly protests which have been particularly serious in some cities in the east. The riots have resulted in injuries and property damage to some Chinese businesses.

The MOC suggested that Chinese citizens and businesses in Libya pay more attention to safety and protection of property.