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China’s Xi Jinping condemns Moscow shooting as ‘severe terrorist attack’ in message to Vladimir Putin
- Chinese president’s message to Russian counterpart shows Moscow can expect Beijing to ‘stand in solidarity’ with it on security, analyst says
- The Islamic State claims responsibility for attack at concert hall that killed 143
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Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolence to his counterpart Vladimir Putin following the terrorist attack in Moscow, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Saturday.
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Xi expressed his shock about the “severe terrorist attack” and sent “deep and sincere condolences” to victims and their families on behalf of the Chinese government and people.
“China is against terrorism of any form. We strongly condemn terrorist attacks and firmly support the efforts of the Russian government in safeguarding national security and stability,” Xi said.
There were no reports of Chinese casualties in the shooting, Beijing’s embassy in Russia said on Saturday morning, adding that it was continuing to monitor the incident.
Gunmen opened fire at a Moscow concert hall on Friday killing 143 people, wounding more than 100 and igniting an inferno, Russian authorities said. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.
According to Andrew Korybko, a Moscow-based international relations expert, China’s response was “what one would expect after a major terrorist attack”.
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“Its statement of support for whatever Russia needs to do to maintain national security aligns with the spirit of their strategic partnership,” said the scholar from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations.
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