China has strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Egypt's North Sinai province, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Monday.

Suicide bombers and gunmen attacked an army check point in North Sinai's Rafah city last Friday, killing 23 soldiers and wounded 33 others.

The attack was one of the bloodiest assaults on Egyptian security forces in years. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a counter-attack immediately afterwards, the Egyptian military killed 40 militants suspected of involvement.

China opposes terrorism in any form, Geng said, pointing out that China will firmly support Egypt's efforts to fight terrorism and maintain national security and stability.