China stands by Sri Lankan people, govt in safeguarding national security, stability

BEIJING, April 23 (APP):Chinese foreign ministry’s spokesperson Geng Shuang Tuesday said China firmly stood by Sri Lankan people and supported the government in safeguarding national security and stability.
“A series of explosions in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo and other places have affected the hearts of the Chinese people. At this moment of sorrow, China firmly stands with the Sri Lankan people and firmly supports the Sri Lankan side in safeguarding national security and stability,” he said during his routine briefing held here.
Strongly condemning the attack and expressing deep condolences to the victims and the families of injured, he stressed once again that the Chinese side was willing to work with the international community including Sri Lanka to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation and jointly safeguard regional and world peace and stability.
He informed that one Chinese citizen was killed in the incident and five Chinese citizens lost contact.
In addition, five injured Chinese citizens were being treated in local hospitals, two of whom were seriously injured, he added.
Geng Shuang said after the bombings, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka maintained close ties with the Sri Lankan side, adding, “The Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka communicated with Sri Lankan Prime Minister and Speaker on the placement and rehabilitation of Chinese citizens in casualties and loss of association.”
He said the Sri Lankan side had assured to fully cooperate with China to do the screening, treatment and rehabilitation of Chinese citizens.
“At the same time, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a security reminder for the first time to remind Chinese citizens not to travel to Sri Lanka in the near future. Chinese citizens who are already in the local area should strengthen their own safety precautions, stay away from crowded places and ensure their own safety,” he added.
Responding to a question, he said after the explosion, President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi separately sent messages of condolences to Sri Lanka.
To a question about the United States (US) government announcement of lifting exemption for Iranian oil importing countries, he said China resolutely opposed the US implementation of unilateral sanctions and the so-called “long arm jurisdiction.”
“The international community, including China, and Iran’s normal energy cooperation within the framework of international law are reasonable and legal and must be respected and protected,” he added.
The spokesperson said the US move would intensify the situation in the Middle East and the turmoil in the international energy market.
“We urge the US to adopt a responsible attitude and play a constructive role, not the other way around,” he added.
Geng Shuang said the Chinese side urged the US to earnestly respect China’s interests and concerns, not to take wrong actions that harm China’s interests and would continue to work to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of domestic enterprises.
The Chinese side had already made representations to the US in this regard, he added.