File photo of Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang [Photo: fmprc.gov.cn]

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang says China and Indonesia have been victims of terrorist attacks, and the two countries will work together against terrorism.

"Both China and Indonesia have been victims of terrorism, and are facing threats brought up by the changing anti-terrorism conditions regionally and globally. In recent years, the East Turkistan Islamic terrorist forces have been penetrating Indonesian territory, making connections with local radical groups, opening up personnel transportation channels and joining international terrorist activities. All the above have not only threatened Chinese national security but also affected the social stability of Indonesia and the whole region."

The statement comes after 2 Chinese nationals who were allegedly fighting with an extremist group were shot dead by Indonesian policemen.

Lu Kang says cooperation against terrorism between the two countries will be enhanced in the future.

"China and Indonesia have shown mutual understanding and support on the terrorism issue, and have carried out some good cooperation. China is willing to strengthen the bilateral and multilateral communication and cooperation to further maintain regional stability and security."

On Tuesday, the two terrorists were killed in a shootout in mountains on the island of Sulawesi, as authorities hunted for the radical group's leader.

They were fighting alongside Santoso, who leads the Eastern Indonesia Mujahideen, a group that has been waging a guerrilla campaign against authorities from remote bases in the jungles and mountains.

Local government has launched numerous operations to try to catch Santoso, who has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group.