China has strongly condemned the attack on its citizen in Afghanistan’s Takhar province and has said it will support Afghanistan in combating terrorism.

Answering a question about the attack during a press briefing on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Minister Spokesperson Mao Ningsaid China had protested over the attack with Afghan authorities.

“China is deeply shocked at the attack and strongly condemns it. We express our condolences over the lives lost. China has lodged serious protests to Afghanistan right after the attack, and asked the country to conduct thorough investigations into the attack, and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Ning said.

Ning called for ‘resolute and strong efforts’ against terrorism in Afghanistan and named ISIS and ETIM among terrorist organisations that deserve ‘zero tolerance’.

“China will closely follow the security situation in Afghanistan and continue supporting Afghanistan in combating all forms of terrorism and violence, and upholding national security and stability,”

She also urged the the Afghan interim government to take effective measures to ensure the safety and security of Chinese citizens, institutions and projects in Afghanistan.

A Chinese mining worker had been killed in Takhar when unknown assailants opened fire on him. ISIS-K had later accepted responsibility for the attack.