BEIJING, Jan. 2 -- China on Thursday urged the United States to take "effective measures" to protect its diplomatic institutions and staff, and prevent similar incidents following an arson attack on a Chinese consulate-general.

"The Chinese Foreign Ministry and embassy and consulates to the United States have lodged solemn representations to the U.S. side, demanding they solve the case as soon as possible and severely punish the culprit," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang.

On Wednesday, a person got out of a mini-van parked in front of the main entrance of the Chinese consulate-general in San Francisco, poured two buckets of gasoline onto the front door and set it on fire, severely damaging the door, but fortunately causing no casualties.

The Chinese side will release information in a timely manner as it becomes available, Qin said.