China extends condolences over casualties of S. African soldiers in Central African Republic

PRETORIA, South Africa, March 26 (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday extended condolences for the casualties suffered by South African troops in the conflict of the Central African Republic.

Qin Gang, a spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said that China is concerned about the grave deterioration of political and security situation in the Central African Republic and opposes the seizure of power by force.

"We call for a political solution to the crisis in the Central African Republic and an early restoration of order in the country," said Qin, who is accompanying Chinese President Xi Jinping on a state visit to South Africa.

He said China supports the vigorous efforts made by South Africa and the African Union as well as other regional organizations in solving the crisis in the Central African Republic, and is willing to play its own constructive role.

Rebel forces in the Central African Republic took over control of the country's capital Bangui on Sunday, forcing President Francois Bozize to flee.

The weekend offensive claimed the lives of 13 South African soldiers, with 27 others injured. South Africa deployed 200 soldiers to the Central African Republic in January to support government troops.

The Central African Republic, with a population of five million, has been haunted by instability and poverty since its independence from France in 1960. It is listed by the United Nations as one of the poorest nations in the world though rich in resources.

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