Chinese President instructs police to step up counter-terrorism efforts.

He also pledged to severely punish terrorists.

China yesterday (May 22) increased security in the area where a large explosion killed 31 people and injured more than 90 in the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Chinese leaders called it a "serious act of violent terrorism." The international community also strongly condemned this act of causing civilian casualties.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (Photo: Indianexpress)

Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to “severely punish terrorists and do everything in his power to ensure social security and order.” He instructed police to increase patrols and surveillance of potential targets to prevent similar incidents, and urged local authorities to visit and support the victims and their families. Meanwhile, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang called on all local governments to implement security measures, especially in public places, to protect the lives and livelihoods of citizens. A working group led by Chinese Public Security Minister Guo Shengkun has arrived in Xinjiang to oversee the investigation.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said that China is confident it has the capability to suppress and eliminate terrorism.

The international community has strongly condemned the terrorist acts in Xinjiang. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called the attack heinous and said there was no justification for the killing of civilians. He stated that those responsible would be brought to justice. He offered his condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of China. In a message to President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his condolences to the victims and their families, expressing hope that the perpetrators would soon be brought to justice. The Russian leader affirmed continued cooperation with China in the fight against terrorism and extremism.

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psak stated at a press briefing: “The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack against innocent civilians at a market near People’s Park in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and the families of those affected by this tragedy.”

Afghan President Hamid Karzai described it as “an act by enemies of peace and stability – those who do not want the region to be stable and prosperous.” The South African government’s Agency for International Cooperation and Relations condemned terrorism in all its forms. The European Union (EU) and many other countries also strongly condemned all acts of terrorism, regardless of where they occur or who commits them.

According to VOV