Beijing, Jan. 25 -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Monday urged Laos to investigate an attack on Sunday that killed two Chinese citizens.

Two Chinese nationals were killed and another injured in a suspected bombing in Xaysomboun Province of Laos on Sunday morning. One of the victims was an employee of a mining company from China's Yunnan Province.

"The Chinese embassy in Laos is paying close attention to the incident and has started an emergency response mechanism," said spokesperson Hua Chunying at a daily press briefing on Monday.

Chinese embassy officials maintained close communication with Laos, Hua said, adding that China demands prompt investigation into the attack and protection of Chinese citizens in Laos.

Xaysomboun Province is located in central Laos with a population of some 82,000. The mountainous area has seen a rise in violence recently.