Two Chinese nationals abducted in Pakistan last month are probably dead, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Friday, vowing to continue to use various channels to gain and verify information. "According to the latest information provided by Pakistan, the two kidnapped Chinese citizens have probably been killed," Hua told a daily news briefing. She added that China is gravely concerned about the case. She said the two people were not a couple, as previously reported, and they come from different Chinese provinces, but details were still being investigated. According to Hua, departments of the Chinese government and the Chinese embassy in Pakistan immediately launched an emergency response mechanism after the kidnapping and worked closely with Pakistan. "China is firmly opposed to and strongly condemns terrorism in any form. We support Pakistan's efforts to fight terrorism and safeguard national security and stability," she said. China will continue to strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation with the international community, including Pakistan, to maintain peace and stability in the region and the world, Hua added. The Chinese embassy in Pakistan released a security alert last month after the kidnapping, reminding Chinese citizens not to visit Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province. It also urged local Chinese nationals and organizations to evacuate as soon as possible, and to turn to the embassy for help if necessary. Related stories: China 'gravely concerned' about reported killing of kidnapped Chinese in Pakistan China vows to rescue kidnapped citizens in Pakistan custom rubber wristbandsprinted wristbandsrubber bracelets cheapcheap silicone wristbandswristband keychainwide rubber bands
HONG KONG - The first typhoon that has landed in China this year is approaching Hong Kong, said the Hong Kong Observatory on Wednesday.Typhoon Ewiniar was about 400 km away from the region as of Wednesday afternoon, bringing about rainbands to Hong Kong, the agency said.Squally showers and thunderstorms are expected for the region in the next couple of days, according to the observatory.Ewiniar landed in Xuwen county of China's southern Guangdong province at 6 am Wednesday morning and is expected to linger in the vicinity of Leizhou Peninsula, the southernmost part of Guangdong province.The chance to issue the Strong Wind Signal, the No. 3 will not be high on Wednesday, the Hong Kong Observatory said.Before Ewiniar's approaching, Hong Kong residents suffered intense heat for more than two weeks since May 18 with temperatures above 33 degrees Celsius. Hong Kong will get reprieve from scorching temperatures in next several days.
