China condemns the attacks on civilians by militants in Khobar of Saudi Arabia, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao in Beijing Monday.  

Liu said in response to a question on the attacks that the Chinese side is relieved to note that Saudi Arabia on Sunday ended its military operations to free hostages held by militants in the eastern oil city of Khobar.

Gunmen attacked two oil compounds filled with foreign oil workers, killing 22 on Saturday.

The militants took 45 to 60 hostages and holed up in a six-story building after attacking oil facilities in the area, some 400 kilometers northeast of Riyadh.

The Chinese side resolutely supports Saudi Arabia's counter-terrorism efforts, Liu said.

(Xinhua News Agency June 1, 2004)