Officials say nine Chinese oil workers have been kidnapped in an oil-rich region of southwestern Sudan, in the latest attack on China's interests in the conflict-stricken country, the associated press reported.
Sudanese government officials blamed a Darfur rebel group for Saturday's kidnapping, calling it a stab at development efforts in Sudan.
None of the Darfur rebel groups, who have fought the central government for five years, claimed responsibility.
In the past, though, rebels have targeted Chinese interests, saying the Asian power's massive oil sector investments help the government in its fight in Darfur. And one rebel group warned Chinese and other oil firms a year ago to leave the country.