Three Chinese killed in Jordanian blasts

Three Chinese were killed and one wounded Wednesday evening in bomb attacks against three hotels in the Jordanian capital Amman, said a press release carried on the Web site of the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday.

The dead and wounded were members of a delegation from China's University of National Defense, which happened to stay at one of the three hotels, the press release said.

The Foreign Affairs Office of China's Defense Ministry identified the dead as Sun Jingbo, Zhang Kangping and Pan Wei, who were at the age of 41, 42 and 44 respectively.

The wounded, 42-year-old Yao Liqiang, suffered from a leg fracture. Yao was under medical treatment at a military hospital and was out of danger, according to the Foreign Affairs Office.

The other 30 members of the delegation have been transferred to one of Jordan's military bases under the escort of the Jordanian army, the office said.

Chinese President Hu Jintao, who is in London for a state visit, has asked China's Foreign Ministry and relevant departments to take immediate measures and spare no efforts to save the injured and properly handle relevant consequences.

Hu has also sent a message of condolence to Jordanian King Abdullah II, in which he said the Chinese government condemns all forms of terrorism and is ready to strengthen cooperation with the international community, including Jordan, in fighting terrorism.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, who was accompanying President Hu in London, also sent a letter of condolence to his Jordanian counterpart, Faruq Kassrawi.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has advised that Chinese citizens avoid making trips to Jordan given the current situation there.

The ministry quoted local police as saying that they pointed the finger at al Qaeda, though the immediate reason for the bombings remains to be clarified.

At least 57 people were killed and more than 120 others wounded in the blasts that struck the Grand Hyatt, the Radisson SAS and the Days Inn hotels in downtown Amman.

Source: Xinhua