SHANGHAI: A Chinese man who shot his countryman to death in Paris said in court here yesterday that he acted in self-defense.

Lin Bingsong, 32, pleaded guilty at the Shanghai No 1 Intermediate People's Court to killing teahouse owner Ge Zhitao in the 11th arrondissement (administrative district) of Paris, but said he was forced to do so to prevent Ge from shooting him.

On May 20, 2006, Lin went with his friend Lin Cunhong to Ge's teahouse in Paris hoping to settle a gambling debt owed by Lin Cunhong's brother, the court heard.