China, Japan and South Korea have responded to the UK’s worst terrorist attack since the July bombings of 2005.
The BBC reports that 22 people were killed and 59 injured after a suicide bomber attacked concertgoers following an Ariana Grande gig at Manchester Arena.
British armed police have since arrested a 23-year-old man in Chorlton, south Manchester, in connection with the attack.
The attack in Manchester has been reported as the worst terrorist attack in the UK since the 7 July bombings in 2005, in which 52 people were killed by four suicide bombers.
Xinhua reports that Chinese President Xi Jingping sent a message of condolence to Queen Elizabeth II, expressing “deep sorrow to the innocent victims and sincere condolences to the injured and the families of the killed in the incident”.
“The Chinese people stand firmly with the British people at this difficult time,” Xi said.
Whats On Weibo adds that many Chinese netizens shared their condolences on Weibo too. “It’s so horrible! I was also at the scene!”, a netizen nicknamed ‘Mary’ (@玛丽莲梦露奥巴马忽忽) wrote: “I am very fortunate to have made it out safely. We heard a loud noise behind us and everyone started running and pushing while screaming and crying. It’s the first time I realized how nearby the danger actually is.”
According to Kuna, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent a message to British Prime Minister Teresa May condemning the Manchester attack. “I am deeply shocked by that the appalling terrorist attack occurred at a concert venue where many young music lovers gathered ,” Abe said.
“On behalf of the Japanese government and people, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the victims and extend our sympathies to those who have been injured. The terrorist attack targeted the peaceful lives and young people with future. It is outrageous.”
Korean Herald reports that foreign ministry spokesman Cho June-hyuck also condemned the Manchester attack. South Korea “cannot hide shock and anger over the loss of many lives in a barbaric terrorist attack at a concert in Manchester,” the spokesman said in a statement.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singapore have shared their condolences too, according to Channel News Asia. “We express our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish the injured a swift recovery,” the Ministry said in a media release.
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