BEIJING - The Chinese mainland has provided protection to Taiwan compatriots in the recent violence in Vietnam, a mainland spokesman said on Wednesday.

More than 200 Taiwan compatriots have entered the Chinese mainland and been properly settled after violence broke out in parts of Vietnam earlier this month, said Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, at a regular press conference.

Ma expressed his deep concern over the serious losses incurred by Taiwan people and their businesses in Vietnam and promised to safeguard their rights and interests.

Anti-China protests spun out of control in Vietnam earlier this month. Chinese companies, including those from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, suffered the most. Many foreign companies in Vietnam, including those from South Korea and Singapore, were also affected in the violence.