In the Khmer capital, Phnom Penh, student violence against Chinese shopkeepers rose to a peak on Wednesday (26 February) when military police had to fire into the air to disperse a group who attacked Chinese traders.

The students blame Chinese merchants for causing spiralling prices because they control most of the commerce in the Republic.

Groups of military police patrolled the streets in vehicles and on foot and dispersed groups of students who gathered on the streets.

Almost all the Chinese-owned shops in the capital were closed.

Violence broke out in the city of Battambang northwest of Phnom Penh during last weekend when more than half the shops were destroyed and a number of Chinese shopkeepers assaulted.