MANILA - Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences and sympathy to the families of victims of the fatal Jolo blast.

Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua on Tuesday said Xi has issued a message to President Rodrigo Duterte to express condolences and sympathy to families who suffered losses in the Jolo blast “and express once again China’s determination to work side by side with the Philippine government in the fight against terrorism and for peaceful socio-economic development in Mindanao.”

Zhao said the Chinese government supports the Philippines’ fight “against all acts of barbarian violence including terrorism.”

Zhao made the statement during the Lunar New Year reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana led Philippine officials who attended the event where Xi offered a toast for Presidents Duterte, Xi and Philippine-China relations.