A police officer guards the commemoration site for victims of the Jakarta attak. (AFP/VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – Both the ASEAN community and China have publicly criticized the gunfire and bomb attacks that took place in Indonesia’s capital Jakarta on January 14.
In a statement issued on January 15, ASEAN foreign ministers extended their condolences to the Indonesian Government and people, especially to families of the victims. They hailed local security forces’ prompt and brave actions against the attack.
The statement stated clearly that the ASEAN community supports the Indonesian Government in bringing these attackers to justice, and keeping commitment to international counter-terrorism efforts.
The same day, at a routine press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said China firmly opposed all acts of terror against innocent civilians, considering terrorism the common enemy of all humankind.
"China is willing to work with the international community, including Indonesia, to jointly combat terrorism and safeguard international and regional peace and stability," Hong said, as cited by China’s news agency Xinhua.
On January 14, seven explosions rang out near Sarinah shopping mall in downtown Jakarta, while a shootout between the attackers and police occurred right in front of the mall.
The blasts came after the Islamic State issued a warning of carrying out attacks in Jakarta, national police spokesman Anton Charliyan told the press at the scene.
At least seven people were killed and 20 others were injured in the attacks, according to Jakarta police spokesman Muhammad Iqbal.-VNA
