China condoles death of Indian peacekeepers in South Sudan

BEIJING: China condoled three Indian peacekeepers' death in South Sudan and strongly condemned the violent attack on a United Nations mission in the country.

"China conveys sympathy to the families of the victims and the Indian government," Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying told a press briefing when asked to comment on the Indian peacekeepers' death.

Three peacekeepers from India were killed when about 2,000 rebels stormed the UN base in violence-hit South Sudan's troubled Jonglei state yesterday. Some 43 Indian peacekeepers were guarding the base in the world's newest country.

The attack came after troops loyal to fugitive former vice president Riek Machar seized the town of Bor late Wednesday, as heavy fighting continued in several sites of Jonglei state.

The government has declared curfew in several areas, including Juba and Jonglei.

Hua said Chinese peacekeepers in South Sudan are all safe at the moment and urged all relevant parties to take effective measures to ensure the safety of the UN peacekeepers, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

According to Hua, Chinese organisations in South Sudan are preparing for evacuation. She said the Chinese embassy in the country will continue offering necessary assistance for Chinese nationals' evacuation and urges the government to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals and organisations.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry warned its citizens against travelling to South Sudan and asked non-essential personnel to leave South Sudan as soon as possible. It also advised staff in South Sudan to avoid outdoor activities and maintain emergency contact with the embassy.