BEIJING - China on Wednesday condemned the suicide bomb attack that killed Burhanuddin Rabbani, former president of Afghanistan.

"We are shocked by the death of Mr Rabbani and condemn the attack," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said at a regular news briefing in response to a question on the situation in Afghanistan.

Rabbani, who served as chairman of the Afghan High Peace Council, was killed in his residence in the capital city of Kabul Tuesday evening.

Hong said that Rabbani made great contributions to advancing the reconciliation process in Afghanistan since taking office as chairman of the council.

The spokesperson also extended condolences to Rabbani's family.

"We hope wholeheartedly that Afghanistan will see peace and stability, as well as national reconciliation and development at an early date," he added.