China evacuated more than 200 nationals to a safer area after eight Chinese mining company vehicles were stolen during armed conflict ahead of an election in the Central African Republic, its embassy said Wednesday.
A statement on the embassy website said the situation is now under control with the help of UN peacekeeping forces, though there is still sporadic gunfire.
The conflict followed a December 3 court decision to bar former President Francois Bozize from participating presidential and legislative elections on Sunday.
Bozize, in response, gathered rebel groups to march on the capital city Bangui.
They have been engaged in conflict with government forces in the Yaloke area since December 15, according to the embassy statement.