Wanbao, the Chinese Copper Mining Company on Monday sent a request letter to Chief Minister of Myanmar's Sagaing Region U Thar Aye, asking for urgent assistance for the immediate release of two Chinese nationals working for the Norbenco team under the company, who were kidnapped by activists on Sunday.

Three contractors, sent by Wanbao company to do work of surveying the land in the Southern area, were taken away by activists claimed to be from a group called the Student Network of Mandalay and two monks Sunday morning at 11 a.m. local time.

Of the three, Khin Aung Moe, a Myanmar national, was released on Sunday evening, but two Chinese contractors were still being detained.

Both sides are negotiating for the release of the remaining two.