Britain condemns terrorist attack in Xinjiang

LONDON - British Foreign Secretary William Hague on Thursday condemned the terrorist attack in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which left at least 31 dead and 94 injured Thursday morning.

"I was saddened to hear about the terrorist attack that took place on a market in Xinjiang, China, on the morning of 22 May, killing more than 30 people. My thoughts and condolences are with the victims and their families," Hague said in a statement.

"The UK strongly condemns violence in all circumstances, and we stand firmly with the Chinese people at this time," he added.

Two vehicles, without license plates, broke through roadside fences and plowed into people at an open-air market in Urumqi on Thursday morning. Explosive devices were set off, causing the deaths of at least 31 people and injuring 94 others.

In response to the attack, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to severely punish terrorists and spare no efforts in maintaining stability, asking local authorities to solve the case quickly, put the injured under proper care and offer condolences to families of the victims.