Xi offers condolences to Indonesia following deadly tsunami

President Xi Jinping sent a message to Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Monday, expressing his condolences over the deadly tsunami that hit the coastal areas of the Asian country and killed at least 281 people.

Foreign Minister Spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a news briefing on Monday that China will provide assistance within its own capacities through channels, including the Red Cross Society, to the Indonesian side.

Indonesia's disaster management agency said the death toll from the tsunami believed to be triggered by a volcanic eruption has climbed to 281, with 1,016 others injured and dozens missing.