Arsonist sets Chinese consulate on fire in US

Authorities in California are investigating an arson attack on the Chinese consulate Thursday.

Chinese officials say someone poured gasoline on the main gate of the building in San Francisco then set it on fire.

No one was injured, but consulate officials urged police to take the matter seriously.

SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) SPOKESMAN FOR THE CHINESE CONSULATE-GENERAL IN SAN FRANCISCO WANG CHUAN SAYING

"We hope that the U.S. side takes all necessary measures to provide adequate protection for the Chinese consular personnel and properties, and brings the culprits to justice as soon as possible."

At the foreign ministry briefing in Beijing, Chinese government officials echoed the sentiment.

We urge the U.S. to carry out the investigation quickly, the spokesperson said.

The safety of diplomatic personnel and missions is a sensitive issue in China after the U.S. military accidentally bombed the Chinese embassy in Belgrade during air strikes against Serbia