British diplomats in Guangzhou have issued a travel warning to foreigners after attacks on two Britons.
Businessmen, officials and holidaymakers have been told that armed robbery gangs are targeting expatriates in hotel and bar areas popular with foreigners.
Security has been stepped up in at-risk areas after British diplomats held talks with Public Security Bureau chiefs and government officials who are anxious to keep the city's international image clean.
The warning comes in the wake of an unidentified British Consulate official suffering knife wounds after being accosted and, in a separate incident, a UK businessman being attacked by an armed gang.
According to consular sources, both incidents happened near Guangzhou's China Hotel, which is popular with foreign businessmen.
It is understood both attacks took place after dark and were within the past month.