From The Gardian by Promise Zalakata Kamanga

People's Republic of China says it was shocked with the July 20 mass protests that turned violent leading to loss of lives and property.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Guardian, Chinese Ambassador to Malawi Pan Hejun, said it was unfortunate that demonstrations that were supposed to be peaceful ended up into destruction of other people's property.

"Malawi people are peaceful and law abiding people. I still don't understand why these things happened. I think people have learned a lesson from last Wednesday," said the envoy.

Ambassador Pan however played down fears that Chinese investors would be scared away by the looting that happened during the demonstrations.

Several Chinese owned shops were looted during the demonstrations especially in the two cities of Lilongwe and Mzuzu.

"This is not something we want to see. We are still trying to see how much was lost through looting but I don't think the Chinese investors will be scared because they still look at Malawi as a peaceful country," said Pan.

He added: "The events that happened last Wednesday are exceptional and hope it will not be repeated again."

He further quizzed why the civil society leaders had resorted to demonstrations other than press for dialogue with the authorities as best means to solving any existing problems.

"It's normal to have disputes anywhere in the world but such disputes are better resolved through dialogue because violence causes bigger problems than solving the already existing problems," said the Chinese envoy.

Ambassador Pan also said countries like China are fast developing because of peace and stability which he said was important for any economic growth.

“I don't want to see what happened last Wednesday. When exercising your right, don't cause damage to other people's rights and people should also look at demonstration if at all they help solve problems,” he quizzed.

The total estimated value of property damaged and looted could not be established as of yesterday as efforts to speak to Minister of Information and Civic Education Symon Vuwa Kaunda proved futile

However, one of the vandalized business establishments, Sunrise Pharmaceuticals Limited claims to have lost property and goods worth over K600 million.