China “is greatly shocked by and strongly condemns” the terrorist attack against a hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu on July 26, which killed at least 13 people, including a Chinese embassy worker and injured three other embassy staff.

A suicide bomber driving a lorry attacked the Jazeera Hotel, where the Chinese embassy is situated, at around 4 pm on July 26 before detonating the blast that caused injuries and deaths of personnels from a number of countries.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang confirmed in a statement on the morning of July 27 that one embassy staff member in charge of security and guard duties died of serious injuries sustained in the attack, and three other embassy staff suffered slight injuries.

“We are deeply shocked by the terrorist attack, and utterly condemn it. We offer our condolences on the death of the Chinese member of staff, and extend out sincerest sympathy to his family members and the families of the injured individuals,” Lu said.

China also expressed condolences for all of those killed in the attack, he added.

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council were greatly concerned, and the Foreign Ministry immediately initiated emergency response missions, Lu said.

“Currently, all the staff of the embassy have been transferred to a safe area,” the spokesman said.

China has lodged representations to Somalia in both Mogadishu and Beijing. Somalia has said it will take all necessary measures and spare no effort in treating those injured, and ensure the safety of China’s institutions and personnel based in the country, Lu said.

He said the ministry will maintain close contact with relevant departments to treat the injured, monitor the situation and strengthen security and precautions to ensure the safety, rights and interests of Chinese agencies and personnel based in Somalia.