China has strongly condemned the assassination of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, describing it as an "act of terror".

"We are shocked and would like to convey our condolences to the families of Benazir Bhutto and other victims," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said last night.

Some Chinese experts said the assassination could be the handiwork of terrorists in order to destabilize Pakistan and hamper President Pervez Musharraf's efforts to fight militancy.

The experts, however, said Pakistan is not likely to plunge into chaos because Musharraf still enjoys strong support at home, especially from the military, and abroad.

"Terrorists owing allegiance to Al-Qaida and Taliban could be behind the assassination," said Sun Shihai, an expert on South Asian studies with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. "The act could be in retaliation to Musharraf administration's anti-terror collaboration with the US."

Sun said more terrorist activities could follow after the assassination, but the general situation in the country would be stable. "And I think the general election (on January 8) will be held on schedule."

The death of Bhutto is a heavy blow to the Pakistan People's Party, said Fu Xiaoqiang, a researcher with China Institute of Contemporary International Relations.

"Having lost their leader, the PPP is very likely to get a lot of sympathy votes. But it cannot find a new leader immediately to take the place of the experienced Bhutto...," Fu said.

(China Daily December 28, 2007)