Outrage over 'slave' workers

China yesterday called on Japan to respect and safeguard the rights of Chinese workers, following a media report of six women being enslaved and abused by the Japanese firm that employed them.

At a regular press briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said: "We hope the Japanese side will launch an immediate investigation, and handle the case properly and fairly to safeguard the interests of Chinese workers in Japan."

"The Chinese embassy to Japan has expressed grave concern to the local police and labor protection supervision departments," Jiang said .