Spotlight: China condemns Paris attacks, warns nationals in France to stay alert

China has expressed strong condemnation over a series of terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday that has killed at least 120 people and showed its willingness to work with France and the rest of the international community to combat terrorism.

Several shootings and bombings took place across Paris Friday night, one of which turned into a hostage taking at the Bataclan theater and concert hall where hundreds of people were attending a rock concert.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday expressed the "strongest" condemnation over the terror attacks in Paris.

"At the sorrowful moment of the French people, I, on behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, and personally, condemn in the strongest terms the barbaric acts," Xi said in a message of condolences to his French counterpart, Francois Hollande.

In his message, Xi expressed deep condolences for the victims and delivered his sympathy to the injured and relatives of the victims.

China always opposes all forms of terrorism and is willing to work with France and the international community to enhance cooperation in security, combat terrorism and ensure the safety of people in all countries, Xi said.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday expressed "strong outrage and condemnation" over the Paris terror attacks.

In a message sent to his French counterpart, Manuel Valls, Li delivered deep condolences and sincere sympathy to the victims and the injured as well as their relatives.

The Chinese government firmly opposes all forms of terrorism and will work with France and the international community to counter the threats and challenges posed by terrorism in an effort to ensure the safety of people of China, France and all other countries, Li said.

"China is greatly shocked by the terrorist attacks that has caused massive casualties. China strongly condemns these attacks," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei said.

"China expresses deep condolences to the victims and extends sincere sympathies to the families of the dead and injured," Hong said.

Describing terrorism as a common challenge facing mankind, Hong said China firmly supports France in maintaining national security and stability and combating terrorism.

Meanwhile, in the wake of the attacks, the Chinese embassy in Paris issued a security alert late Friday, calling on Chinese nationals in France to stay indoors and pay close attention to police information and local media reports about the incidents.

The embassy offered emergency numbers and urged the Chinese to follow police instructions in case of a security or identity check.

China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) also paid high attention to the incident. It demanded its bureau in Paris to closely follow the developments of the attacks, and asked Chinese travel agencies to enhance safety precautions among tour groups that visit France.

The CNTA also warned Chinese tourists in France to abide by local laws and safety regulations and not to go to areas where the attacks occurred or places of public gathering.

A total of 40 Chinese tour groups and 1,299 Chinese tourists were staying in Paris on Friday, according to the CNTA. Endi