Calm returns to Algiers after clash between Chinese and Algerian traders

Streets in Algiers were empty on Wednesday after violent clashes between Chinese and Algerian traders on Tuesday.

• An argument between an Algerian shopkeeper and a Chinese businessman in the area of Bab Ezzouar involved around fifty people, many of whom were armed with knives and iron bars.
• On Wednesday the Chinese embassy played down the incident, saying it was unrepresentative of relations between the Algerians and Chinese. 
• Around 25,000 Chinese nationals currently live in Algeria, according to the Algerian media. They mainly work in commerce, telecommunications and the building trade.
• All the Chinese-owned shops in the district of Bab Ezzouar remained closed on Wednesday.