BEIJING, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- China strongly condemned the bombing in the Somali capital of Mogadishu that killed at least 276 people and injured about 300, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Monday.

Media has reported the deadliest single attack in Somalia's history which happened Saturday in a shopping area of Mogadishu. A truck packed with explosives detonated near the entrance of the Safari Hotel, destroying the area.

Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed has declared three days of mourning as the country reels.

Spokesperson Lu Kang told a daily news briefing that China extended profound sympathy for those killed, and conveyed sincere condolences to the injured and families of victims.

He said China firmly opposed any form of terrorism and supported the efforts made by Somalia in fighting terrorists and safeguarding the country's security and stability.

China stands ready to enhance cooperation with African countries, including Somalia, in order to jointly cope with the challenges brought about by terrorism and play a constructive role in maintaining peace and security in Africa, he said.