Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday sent condolences to his US counterpart Barack Obama over the bombings at the Boston Marathon.

In his message to Obama, Xi expressed his deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the US government and its people over the losses and casualties caused by the bombings.

Also on Tuesday, Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi sent their condolences separately to US Secretary of State John Kerry over the bombings.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed on Tuesday that a female Chinese student was injured in Monday's bomb blast at the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

"The Foreign Ministry attaches great importance to protecting the rights and interests of Chinese citizens overseas," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said. "The consulate has sent officials to meet the injured student, who was receiving medical treatment in a local hospital."

Hua strongly denounced the bombing, saying that Beijing opposes any violent assault on civilians.

"We wish to convey our deepest sorrow and condolences to the victims' families and friends," Hua said.

Xinhua-China Daily

(China Daily 04/17/2013 page12)