China: Ethnic violence in region

Martial law has been imposed in parts of the Chinese province of Henan after ethnic clashes in which at least seven people were killed.

More than 40 people were also injured in the violence, and 18 were arrested, China’s Xinhua news agency reported.

The clashes were between members of China’s majority Han community and the Muslim Hui ethnic group.

Residents are quoted as saying that houses were set alight, and people were fighting using farm tools.

It is not clear exactly what triggered the violence.