BEIJING, June 19 -- China on Thursday expressed concern on the deterioration of the security situation in Iraq and called for support for Iraq's reconstruction and anti-terrorism efforts.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying made the remarks at a regular press conference.

The unrest in West Asia and North Africa has led to the spread of extreme thought and made weaponry easily available, spurring the backlash of terrorist forces and seriously threatening the security and stability of the region, said Hua.

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), an alleged al-Qaida breakaway group, has made surprising territorial advances in Iraq. ISIS has also been active in Syria.

The group, led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who commands as many as 10,000 fighters, said its goal is to establish an Islamic state in Iraq and Syria and to fight the Shiite government of Nouri al- Maliki and the administration of President Bashar al-Assad, whose top ranks are from the Alawite minority, an offshoot of Shiite Islam.

In Iraq, the group is still pushing a wide offensive in many areas, hoping to reach the capital Baghdad while in Syria the group is still confined to northeastern and eastern regions.

Iraq's reconstruction and security concern development and stability of the whole region, said Hua.

Calling terrorism the common threat facing all countries in the world, Hua said the international community have common interests in Iraq's security and stability.

China supports the Iraqi government in maintaining domestic stability and combatting terrorism, she said.

She said China is ready to provide assistance for Iraq within its capacity in its reconstruction and counter-terrorism efforts.

China hopes the Iraqi side will continue take concrete measures to ensure the security of Chinese institutions and personnel in Iraq, she said.

Over 10,000 Chinese nationals working for Chinese companies in Iraq are generally located in safe areas, said Hua, adding that those living in relatively dangerously areas will be evacuated to safer areas as soon as possible.