China eager to boost anti-terrorism cooperation with Russia

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Russia's Chechen Republic and expressed willingness to boost anti-terrorism cooperation with Russia Friday.

"China firmly supports Russia's efforts to fight terrorism, and is willing to strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation with Russia, so as to safeguard each other's national peace, tranquility and stability, and ensure the safety of life and property of the two peoples," the Chinese minister said, according to a Xinhua report.

Wang sent a letter of condolence to his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov over Thursday's terrorist attack in Chechnya, stating that China opposes terrorism in all its forms.

A group of unidentified gunmen driving three cars attacked a police checkpoint in Grozny, the capital of the Chechnya, Thursday. At least 17 people reportedly died during the anti-terrorist operation that ensued.

Chechnya, a federal subject (republic) of Russia and located in the troubled North Caucasus, has been hit from time to time by terrorists and Islamic extremists.