China 'deeply shocked' over attack on Slovakia's premier

ISTANBUL

China expressed profound dismay over the attack on Slovakia's prime minister, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds the previous day and is currently in critical condition, state media reported on Thursday.

"China is deeply shocked by the attack on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, and extends sincere condolences to him and his family," Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said in a press conference in Beijing.

China "strongly condemns this violent attack," he added.

Fico remains in critical condition following an assassination attempt that unfolded Wednesday in the town of Handlova.

The prime minister was shot multiple times while engaging with supporters outside a cultural center after a government meeting.

Defense Minister Robert Kalinak said doctors spent the night "fighting for his life."