KUALA LUMPUR • China is against those who resort to violence to disrupt public order, the country's ambassador to Malaysia, Dr Huang Huikang, said during a visit yesterday to Petaling Street where Chinatown is located.

"The Chinese government opposes terrorism and any form of discrimination against races and any form of extremism," he told reporters on the eve of a threatened rally by "red shirt" protesters.

Dr Huang warned that Beijing would not think twice about speaking up against threats to the interests of its citizens, reported Malaysiakini news portal.

He said: "Nobody has the right to undermine the authority of the law or trample the rule of law. The Chinese government has always pursued peaceful coexistence in international relationship and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

"But with regard to the infringement on China's national interests, violations of legal rights and interests of Chinese citizens and businesses, which may damage the friendly relationship between China and the host country, we will not sit idly by."

During his visit, Dr Huang, his wife and officials from the Chinese embassy presented traders with mooncakes to mark the Mid-Autumn Festival.

He was impressed that Malaysia's Chinatown was not run solely by the Chinese but also included traders from various races, reported The Star newspaper.

"Business is good here. There are many tourists. I am proud to see Chinese traders working closely with Malay and Indian traders in harmony to develop this area," he said.

He added that it would be sad if the peaceful environment was destroyed by those with questionable intentions.

Dr Huang said he was confident that the police would ensure public order.

During the red shirt rally in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 16, protesters tried to break through police barricades around Petaling Street.

Police fired water cannon to disperse them.