China strongly condemns terrorist attack in Mali

GAO(MALI), June 1, 2016 (Xinhua) -- An injured Chinese peacekeeper is treated in Gao, Mali, May 31, 2016. A Chinese member of a United Nationsmission in Mali was killed and four other Chinese peacekeepers were injured in a mortar or rocket attack, China's Embassy in Mali said Wednesday. (Xinhua/Zhao Ziquan)

BEIJING, June 1 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday condemned the terrorist attack in Mali in which a Chinese peacekeeper was killed and four others were injured.

According to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was attacked early Wednesday morning.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and express our heartfelt sympathy to the wounded and the families of the victims," Hua said.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council are taking the incident very seriously, Hua said, noting that emergency response and follow-up measures had been launched immediately.

The attack targeted UN peacekeepers, making it a terrible, intolerable crime, Hua said.

China strongly condemns the terrorist attack and has asked the Mali government and the UN to investigate the incident immediately, Hua said.

Hua reiterated that the Chinese government firmly supports peace and stability in Africa.

At present, more than 2,400 Chinese peacekeepers are operating in seven African task areas including Mali, Liberia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Hua said.

China will continue to participate in international peacekeeping operations and contribute to peace and security in Africa, Hua said.

The Defense Ministry also condemned the attack.

"The Chinese military is shocked by this terrorist attack," Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian said in a statement.

The Chinese military has set emergency response procedures in motion and China will take all necessary measures to save the injured, and protect the lives and security of all Chinese personnel, Wu said.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China will continue to support UN peacekeeping operations, resolutely oppose terrorism in all forms and safeguard world peace, Wu added.