ROME: All parties concerned should properly deal with the clashes between police and overseas Chinese that took place during a protest in the Italian city of Milan through negotiation and dialogue, the Chinese Ambassador to Italy Dong Jinyi said on Saturday.

In an interview with Italian reporters, Dong said China and Italy had maintained sound exchanges and cooperation in various fields, adding that the "unfortunate" incident does not conform to the development of the two countries' relations.

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He said he believed Italy could seek a fair resolution to the incident, give serious consideration to the reasonable demands of overseas Chinese and protect their legitimate rights so as to avoid a negative impact on bilateral ties.

Most overseas Chinese in Italy are working hard for their survival and development and contribute to the nation's prosperity, as well as having a strong desire to be included in the society, the ambassador said.

The Italian police must enforce the law, but should safeguard social order while providing conditions for Chinese merchants' survival and business operations, Dong said.

He said Italian authorities should strengthen communications with Chinese merchants, take their traditions and cultural background into consideration, and provide the necessary assistance for their businesses and living.

Chinese merchants should protect their legitimate rights in accordance with the law and take no extreme action, he said.

The Chinese embassy will unswervingly safeguard the legitimate rights of overseas Chinese in Italy, Dong said.

A Chinese woman was detained on Thursday after a dispute with the Milan police over parking in the city's Via Paolo Sarpi area.

The event sparked protests among local Chinese, which led to a clash between them and local police, during which more than 10 Chinese were slightly injured.

Xinhua