An attack on a mining site by suspected CODECO militiamen killed six Chinese nationals and at least two Congolese soldiers in Ituri province in eastern DR Congo, local officials said on Thursday, June 4.

The attack on Wednesday on the Chinese-linked mining site carried out in Djugu territory was condemned by China, Reuters reported.

The Chinese foreign ministry called on Congolese authorities to punish the attackers and increase security for Chinese citizens and enterprises.

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The name of the mine and the company were not immediately available.

Djugu administrator Ruphin Mapela said it was carried out by CODECO, an armed group made up of fighters from the Lendu ethnic group.

Six Chinese nationals and two Congolese soldiers guarding the site were killed, Mapela said.

A spokesperson for the army in the region confirmed the toll and added that a Congolese national and six militia fighters were killed.

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The Chinese foreign ministry said the attack on a Chinese-funded private enterprise led to the death and disappearance of several Chinese citizens.

China is in close communication with DRC authorities in the search for those missing, ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a press briefing.

"We urge the DRC to pursue and punish the perpetrators in accordance with the law as soon as possible," Mao said.

"Those already in high-risk areas should be evacuated as soon as possible," she said.

Under sanctions by the United Nations, CODECO is one the more than 130 armed groups operating in eastern Congolese provinces, which have been ravaged by decades of violence.

It has been accused of multiple atrocities in Ituri province.