Four Chinese detained after clash in Bucharest

Four Chinese storeowners in the capital of Romania were detained yesterday after a fight broke out between authorities and the storeowners over an alleged misunderstanding, according to a consular with the Chinese embassy in Romania.

The tussle began when taxation authorities on Nov 24 suspended business for 221 stores in two neighboring markets in northeastern Bucharest for apparently lacking certificates stating where their merchandise came from. Authorities also claim that the storeowners were evading tax claims.

A Chinese consular surnamed Li, who would not provide his full name, said over half of the stores in the Niro and Red Dragon markets are owned by Zhejiang Chinese selling small goods, such as clothes and electronic appliances.