BEIJING, March 6  -- China on Friday expressed its regret over Thursday's attack on U.S. ambassador to the Republic of Korea Mark Lippert, voicing hope for his early recovery.

"We are sorry for the incident. We believe the Republic of Korea will handle the issue properly," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing.

Lippert was attacked by a South Korean activist on Thursday morning while he was preparing for a lecture at a function in central Seoul.

He was slashed on the right side of his face and his left hand with a knife. Doctors at a local hospital said he was recovering after more than 80 stitches during surgery, but that it may take several months for Lippert to recover the function of his left hand completely.