China 'strongly condemns' terror attack in Istanbul

China "strongly condemns" the terror attack in an airport in Istanbul on Tuesday evening, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said in a news conference on Wednesday.

"China strongly condemns this terror attack that targeted civilians. China is against all forms of terrorism and calls for the international community to strengthen coordination in the field of counter-terrorism," Hong said.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi has sent a telegram of condolence to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Hong said.

According to China's Consulate-General in Istanbul, there have been no reports of Chinese citizens hurt or killed in the terror attack in Istanbul, Hong said.

There were about 90 Chinese passengers in the airport waiting to board when the explosions happened, and the consulate-general has got in touch with the Chinese people stranded in the airport, Hong said.

"They are all safe," he said.

He said the Foreign Ministry as well as its diplomatic and consular missions in Turkey is again warning Chinese citizens to be cautious about traveling to Turkey and calling for Chinese in Turkey to remain highly vigilant over their own safety.

Shootings and explosions broke out in Atatürk Airport in Istanbul on Tuesday evening. The Associated Press quoted Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim as saying 36 people as well as three suicide bombers died. Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag was quoted as saying 147 were wounded.

A Chinese of Turkish nationality was killed in the attack, according to the Foreign Ministry's Department of Consular Affairs.