Fiji's capital Suva is still stable with no sign of chaos after the army chief announced military takeover, Xinhua's witness said Tuesday.

Jin Renwu, a Chinese restaurant owner said there are still several eaters in his restaurant. No one appears afraid of the coming government transition.

Jin's Sichuan Restaurant is located in the central district of the city. He said some neighboring stores have shut the door from noon and others are still running business.

"But there are fewer people on the street than before," said Jin.

Speaking on television just after 6 p.m. Fiji time (0600 GMT), the army chief, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, said the military had taken over the country and government.

Bainimarama said Jona Senilagakali will be caretaker Prime Minister until an interim administration is appointed.

In an earlier address, Laisenia Qarase said he will not resign as the elected Prime Minister.

Fei Mingxing, the Political Counselor of Chinese Embassy to Fiji, told Xinhua that the Embassy has informed the Chinese in Suva to take measures against particular situation.

There are over 7,000 Chinese living in Fiji, most of them reside in Suva.

Fei said the Embassy is monitoring the situation in Fiji and will make every efforts to help Chinese.

Tension has been rising for weeks in Fiji amid a stand-off between the army chief and the prime minister.

Bainimarama said Sunday the prime minister has to resign to allow the military to clean up Government.

Bainimarama said he has no intention to hurt Qarase and other ministers.

Source: Xinhua