Beijing, May 14: Chinese President Hu Jintao today said the fight against terrorism will be "long and arduous" and backed Russia's efforts to safeguard its sovereignty over Chechnya. "Facts have once again proved that the anti-terrorist fight is a long and arduous task," Hu said in a message to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, following Monday's deadly suicide attack in Chechnya, the official Xinhua news agency reported. Hu, who is also general secretary of the ruling Communist Party of China, said the Chinese government resolutely opposes terrorism in all forms and would continue, as always, to support the Russian government in fighting terrorist forces and maintaining national unity and territorial integrity. Hu expressed his deep sorrow for the victims of the attack and extended his condolences through the Russian president to the families of the victims, the report said. Hu, who was appointed President in mid-March, is scheduled to undertake his first foreign visit later this month when he will visit Russia.

Chinese foreign minister Li Zhaoxing also conveyed his condolence over the terrorist bombing in Chechnya in a message to his Russian counterpart Igor Ivanov.

Li stressed that China has always been firm in opposing terrorism in all forms and supporting Russia's efforts to fight terrorist and separatist forces and maintain unity.

"The Sino-Russian cooperation and mutual support in maintaining sovereignty and territorial integrity and fighting terrorism have become a substantial part of the strategic coordination between the two countries," Li said.

Bureau Report