China firmly sides with Russia in battling against international terrorism, separatism and extremism and supports the Russian government in its efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, said Foreign Ministry Spokesman Kong Quan Thursday. The hostage crisis in South Russia's North Ossetia has brought the Russian people enormous sorrow, and China is expressing condolences and assisting by actions, Kong said at a regular press briefing.

The Chinese government is providing medicine and medical facilities worth of 10 million yuan (about 1.22 million US dollars) and 100,000 US dollars of cash to the Russian government, Kong said. If necessary, he added, China will send doctors to help as well.

Terrorism, separatism and extremism are major threats to the region, he acknowledged. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which aims to combat these three evil forces, should play a further role by enhancing cooperation and developing new ways of cooperation among members, said the spokesman.

Source: Xinhua