Mexico apologizes for 1911 massacre of Chinese in northern city of Torreon

Chinese Ambassador to Mexico Zhu Qingqiao and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador take part in an event where the Mexican government apologizes for killing Chinese residents 110 years ago, in Torreon, in Coahuila state, Mexico May 17, 2021. Mexico's Presidency/Handout via REUTERS

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador issued a formal apology on Monday for the 1911 massacre of 303 Chinese in the northern city of Torreon.

"The Mexican state will not allow, ever again, racism, discrimination, and xenophobia," the president said during the ceremony in Torreon.

The massacre, from May 13 to 15, 1911, occurred in the midst of the Mexican Revolution, as rebels fighting under Francisco I. Madero seized control of the city of Torreon.

Chinese Ambassador to Mexico Zhu Qingqiao speaks during an event where the Mexican government apologizes for killing Chinese residents 110 years ago, in Torreon, in Coahuila state, Mexico May 17, 2021. Mexico's Presidency/Handout via REUTERS

During the massacre, over 300 Chinese were killed and their homes and businesses were burned.

Monday's event was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Mexico Zhu Qingqiao, as well as high-level Mexican officials, including the heads of the army and navy, and the foreign and interior ministers.

(Reporting by Laura Gottesdiener; Editing by Marguerita Choy)