China on Friday expressed support to the Russian government for its efforts in solving the hostage issue.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Kong Quan said that China supports the Russian government's efforts in fighting against terrorism and is willing to join hands with the international community to fight resolutely against the terrorism and to maintain justice and peace.

Reports said Russian troops stormed the school in South Russia's North Ossetia in a chaotic battle to free the hostages who had been held since Wednesday by Chechen separatists.

Kong said the Chinese side noticed that the Russian hostage issue had been settled. The hostages held by the terrorists were civilians and many of them were children. The terrorist activity, which has led to many deaths and injuries, was atrocious and should be strongly condemned by the international community, Kong said.
 
(Xinhua News Agency September 4, 2004)