Beijing diplomats in Laos issued a warning to Chinese citizens after a national was killed in Xaysomboun province.

Chinese workers have increasingly come under attack as firms push abroad, often in unstable areas.

Beijing and Vientiane agreed last year to step up security cooperation after attacks on Chinese nationals, including shootings and bomb attacks.

The latest incident saw a Chinese killed on Friday by an unidentified gunman.

"The Chinese embassy requested that Laos solve the case quickly, punish the killer severely and take action to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and organizations," Beijing officials said. Chinese were also told to take more care.

Xaysomboun has long been plagued by trouble involving Hmong rebels. Two Chinese were killed in a blast on a vehicle there in January 2016.

REUTERS