China strongly condemns the series of terrorist bombings that struck Uzbekistan's capital of Tashkent last Friday, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan in Beijing Monday.

Kong made the remarks in a statement on the almost simultaneous bombings outside the US and Israeli embassies in Tashkent and outside the Uzbekistan prosecutor general's office, killing at least 10 people and injuring tens of others.

The Chinese government opposes any form of terrorism and always supports the Uzbekistan government's efforts to fight terrorism, separatism and extremism, Kong said.

China believes that under the leadership of Uzbekistan President Islam Abduganiyevich Karimov, Uzbekistan will continue to maintain its social harmony and stability, he said.

Sources said an Islamic militant group, calling itself the Islamic Holy War Group, has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

(Xinhua News Agency August 3, 2004)