China condemns deadly Israeli raid on ships

China has condemned Israel's deadly commando raid on ships taking humanitarian aid to the blockaded Gaza Strip in which at least nine people were killed and dozens wounded. "China is appalled and condemns the Israeli navy's attack on the Turkish fleet shipping humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip," Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said in a statement late Monday.

Beijing's condemnation of the Israeli raid contrasts with the cautious position it has taken amid rising tensions between its neighbors. China has expressed no support for proposed UN sanctions against ally North Korea over its alleged sinking of a South Korean warship. (AP)