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China resents

flag-burning

in Australia

CANBERRA: The Chinese embassy in Australia expressed "great indignation" at the burning on Friday of a Chinese flag by a few Australian protesters angered at China's underground nuclear test on Thursday.

"This kind of act has greatly hurt the feelings of the Chinese people," the embassy said in statement issued in Canberra.

About six anti-nuclear protesters burned a Chinese flag outside the embassy earlier on Friday.

"For this we express our great indignation. We believe that such a behaviour will be condemned by all the people, including the people of Australia," the embassy said.

Later, in Sydney, about 30 people with placards and banners reading "Stop Chinese nuclear bomb tests" and "No nuke tests" protested outside the Chinese consulate.

Australia's trade union movement also condemned the Chinese test, shifting the focus of anti-nuclear activities here away from France's plan to resume nuclear tests in the South Pacific.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions, which has approved trade union boycotts of French imports and ships, said unions would now consider taking action against the Chinese government.-Reuter