China has issued a safety warning to Chinese visiting Rio de Janeiro for the Olympics, a week ahead of the opening ceremony, after a spate of thefts and armed robberies against Chinese athletes, officials, journalists and tourists.

Visitors to Brazil are reminded to leave jewelry and luxury watches at their hotel, and not carry backpacks or use mobile phones while walking on the street, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

It also advises that people should stay calm and not try to fight with robbers. They should call the police as soon as possible, it says.