The Chinese Consulate in San Francisco vehemently condemned an arson attack that occurred on Wednesday night after someone set it on fire, the Miami Herald reported.
The consulate released a statement detailing the incident, describing how an individual parked in a minivan outside of the building dumped two buckets of gasoline before lighting it on fire.
Minutes later, firefighters arrived and were able to successfully contain the fire. Though no injuries were reported, officials said the damage was extensive.
"The arson attack is a violent crime targeted at the Chinese consular institution in the United States, causing severe damage to the consulate facilities and posing a threat to the safety of the consulate staff and the residents living nearby. We strongly condemn this despicable act and have already made representations with the US side on the attack," the statement read.
Qin Gang, a spokesman for China's foreign ministry, also commented on the attack.
"The Chinese Foreign Ministry and relevant diplomatic missions in the US have lodged solemn representations with the US side, requiring it to solve the case as soon as possible, bring the perpetrators to justice, take effective measures to enhance the protection of Chinese diplomatic missions and staff in the US and prevent the recurrence of similar incidents. The Chinese side will release any further information on the case in a timely fashion," he said.
The administration also called it "a sabotage of vile nature" and mentioned China has already urged U.S. authorities to immediately investigate the incident. Additionally, San Francisco police and fire are collaborating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
In 2008, the San Francisco consulate experienced a similar attack when a group of people poured a flammable liquid on the back gate and set it on fire. No injuries or serious damage was reported.
