China offers condolences to Hajj stampede victims

China is deeply saddened by the loss of life and injuries that have occurred as a result of a stampede in the Mina Valley, about five kilometres from Mecca, said a Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Friday.

"We extend profound condolences to the victims as well as heartfelt sympathy to the injured and the bereaved families of the victims," said spokesperson Hong Lei at a regular press briefing.

"So far, we have learned that one Chinese pilgrim died in Thursday's tragedy," he said.

The Chinese Embassy in Saudi Arabia and China Hajj Working Delegation have contingency plans to deal with such incidents, he said.

The Mecca pilgrimage, also known as the Hajj, is a Muslim tradition that specifies all able-bodied Muslims who can afford to travel to Saudi Arabia must visit Mecca at least once in their lives.

Saudi authorities said the total number killed in Thursday stampede has risen to 717.

This was the second such incident this month. Early September, 111 pilgrims were killed when a crane collapsed near the grand mosque in Mecca. Endi