Chinese working team for hostage crisis arrives in Manila
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A working team sent by the Chinese government to deal with the Hong Kong tourists hostage crisis arrived in Manila Tuesday morning, accompanied by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao, who had terminated his work report in Beijing ahead of schedule.
Arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International airport of the Philippine capital at around 10:35 a.m., the Chinese governmental working team, headed by Guo Shaochun, a consul of China's Foreign Ministry, was greeted by Philippine Vice-President Jejomar Binay, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. and Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo in the airport's conference room. The two parties held a talk and gave a press conference.
The incident caused mass casualties, shocking China, Liu said, adding the Chinese government has conveyed its condolences to those killed and made consolation to the injured ones as well as families of the killed people.
China "strongly condemns" the violent act, and would like to make concerted efforts with the Philippines to deal with the aftermath of the incident, he said.
Liu said China hopes that the Philippines will inform China about the result of the investigation as soon as possible and that the Philippines will in future well protect foreign tourists, including those from China, and avoid similar tragedies.
Binay conveyed condolences to the killed hostages on behalf of the Philippine government, saying that the Philippines will closely cooperate with China on this issue, provide all necessary assistance and deal with the aftermath appropriately.
Romulo said after the incident happened he called Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi at the request of Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, telling his Chinese counterpart that the Philippines is conducting an overall and serious investigation into the incident. Once the investigation report is completed, Romulo said, he will go to Beijing to submit the report to China.
An assault rifle wielding dismissed Philippine police officer held a tourist bus with more than 20 Hong Kong tourists on board in Manila on Monday, prompting the police to storm the bus. The Chinese embassy has confirmed that as of 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, eight Hong Kong tourists died and seven others were injured, including two that are seriously injured.
