BEIJING, Dec. 5 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday sent a letter of condolence to his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov over Thursday's terrorist attack in Russia's southwestern Chechnya republic, which killed at least 17 people.

In the letter, Wang strongly condemned the attack, stating that China opposes terrorism of all forms.

"China firmly supports Russia's efforts to fight terrorism, and is willing to strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation with Russia, so as to safeguard each other's national peace, tranquility and stability, and ensure the safety of life and property of the two peoples," said the Chinese minister.

A group of unidentified gunmen driving three cars on Thursday attacked a road police station in Grozny, capital of the republic.

Chechnya, one of the republics of Russia's troubled North Caucasus, was hit from time to time by terrorists and Islamic extremists.