BEIJING, Dec. 16 -- China expressed appreciation on Monday for Argentina's efforts to handle recent looting and damage to supermarkets owned by overseas Chinese.

"China believes the Argentine government is able to maintain social stability and protect the life and property safety of people living in Argentina, including that of the overseas Chinese," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying at a routine press briefing.

Hua hailed Argentina's efforts to arrest two people who used social networking websites to incite the targeted looting of Chinese supermarkets.

Hua expressed appreciation for the high level of attention paid by Argentina to China's concerns, noting that the Chinese Foreign Ministry and Chinese Embassy in Argentina had urged the Argentine side to safeguard the overseas Chinese people's safety and interests.

According to local media reports, unrest during a police strike that began on Dec. 4 has spread to 17 provinces in Argentina. Some Chinese supermarkets were under attack and one Chinese citizen was confirmed dead.