Xi offers condolences after Russian plane crash

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a condolence message Monday to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, over the crash of a passenger plane with 71 people on board.

In the message, Xi said he was shocked after learning about the air crash outside Moscow Sunday that claimed the lives of all passengers and crew members.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, as well as himself personally, Xi expressed sympathy for those who lost their lives and condolences to the victims' families.

On the same day, Premier Li Keqiang also sent a condolence message to Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.