Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang (File photo from website of Chinese Foreign Ministry)

BEIJING, July 11 -- China on Monday strongly condemned Sunday's attack in Juba, capital of South Sudan, in which two Chinese peacekeepers were killed and five Chinese were injured.

The incident happened Sunday evening local time as fighting between government and anti-government forces continued in Juba, according to China's Ministry of National Defense. A peacekeeping armored vehicle, which was guarding a refugee camp, was hit by a shell.

China is deeply shocked and strongly condemns the attack, and extends deep condolences to the victims and their families, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang told a daily news briefing.

The Chinese Embassy in South Sudan is supporting the injured, Lu said, noting that China had asked the government of South Sudan to launch a thorough investigation and to protect Chinese citizens in South Sudan.

China is deeply concerned about the escalating situation in South Sudan, Lu said, after the attack, the Chinese Foreign Ministry and Chinese Embassy in South Sudan initiated emergency measures to protect Chinese citizens and organizations.

The Chinese side called for a ceasefire, the cessation of violence, and the implementation of the peace deal in South Sudan to restore stability and avoid more casualties, Lu said.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has issued a safety warning, advising Chinese citizens to avoid South Sudan, and calling on those in South Sudan to avoid conflict areas, Lu said.