Beijing demands better safety for Chinese in Afghanistan

Following Monday's deadly explosion in Kabul, China lodged urgent representations with Afghanistan requesting that it spare no effort in treating the injured and "take further effective measures to protect the safety of Chinese citizens, projects, and institutions in Afghanistan", the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

Beijing also demanded a timely investigation into the incident and punishment of the perpetrators, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told reporters in Beijing.

The explosion occurred outside a Chinese restaurant in Kabul, Afghanistan's capital, resulting in multiple casualties. One Chinese citizen was killed and five others injured, Guo said.

"China strongly condemns and firmly opposes terrorism in any form, and supports Afghanistan and countries in the region in jointly combating all forms of terrorist violence," he stated.

Given the current security situation in Afghanistan, the Foreign Ministry once again advised Chinese citizens to refrain from traveling to Afghanistan for the time being, he said.

"Chinese citizens and enterprises already in Afghanistan should heighten their vigilance, strengthen security measures, and evacuate from high-risk areas as soon as possible," he said.

zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn