Wang Guijun, deputy president of the Business Association of China in Vietnam, said many Chinese companies are waiting to see how the situation develops before deciding whether to remain in the country.

"Most Chinese companies are looking to the Vietnamese government to provide a safer environment for foreign businesses. Some businesses will talk with Vietnamese officials about security and compensation at a later date, but many have ordered their personnel to return to China," Wang said.

The association has more than 400 member companies in 15 or 16 industries such as electrical appliances and textiles. It has worked closely with the Chinese consulate general in Ho Chi Minh City to provide shelter for Chinese nationals who have been housed in a number of hotels downtown, far from the rioting in the suburbs, he said.