ISTANBUL

Beijing on Tuesday urged Mexico to take "effective measures" to protect Chinese citizens and institutions in the country amid cartel violence.

So far, no injuries of Chinese nationals have been reported, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning during a regular news conference in Beijing.

She hoped the Mexican side would take effective measures to keep Chinese nationals and institutions safe.

After reports that Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the longtime leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed by Mexican forces, the country witnessed a violent backlash in several states. According to Mexican security authorities, up to 252 road blockades were reported across 20 states, along with businesses set ablaze and clashes with authorities.

In total, authorities reported the deaths of 34 suspected cartel members and the arrest of 70 others. Meanwhile, security forces suffered casualties, with 25 members of the National Guard and one soldier killed.

According to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, the situation has now been fully brought under control, and there are no further acts of violence in the country.