BEIJING -- China is "shocked" over the assassination of the half-brother of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Thursday.

"We express condolences and sympathy for the family of the victim," Hong said at press conference.

"As a friendly neighbor, we sincerely wish for Afghanistan to realize peace and stability at an early date," he said.

Ahmad Wali Karzai, head of the Afghan Kandahar's Provincial Council and the younger half-brother of President Hamid Karzai, was shot dead by one of his bodyguards on Tuesday.

The Afghan Taliban has claimed responsibility for the assassination.