Chinese President Hu Jintao on Sunday strongly condemned the terrorist bombing that rocked a residential compound west of the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh late Saturday.

In a message to Saudi King Fahd Ibn Abdul-Aziz, Hu expressed sympathy and solicitude for the wounded people and families of the victims.

There was no official report on casualties in the bombing, which occurred near a district where the palaces of Saudi royal family's senior princes and diplomatic quarters are located. It was estimated that 20 to 30 people were killed.

Hu emphasized that the Chinese government is firmly opposed to terrorism in any form and is willing to make unremitting efforts with Saudi Arabia and other members of the international community to safeguard world peace and security.

(Xinhua News Agency November 10, 2003)