Chinese merchant takes hard knock after Kyrgyz riot

BEIJING - He Chengyu is an unlucky man. He is one Chinese businessman who has suffered extensive losses in Kyrgyzstan's two major riots - the "Tulip Revolution" in March 2005 and the recent uprising that started Wednesday.

Although no Chinese died or were injured in the recent unrest, 42-year-old He's five-story Guoying Trade Center, the country's oldest Chinese mall with shops, restaurants, a karaoke bar, and hotel, was looted and burnt to cinder during both unrests.

"The loss was more than $5.2 million in 2005. And this time it may reach $4 million," He told China Daily over the telephone. "I really don't know if I should renovate it again this time. Who knows if there would be a third time?"