China to cooperate with Pakistan on investigating illegal preaching

China will continue to verify the reported killing of two Chinese nationals kidnapped in Pakistan last month and will cooperate to investigate their alleged illegal preaching activities, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday.

Spokesperson Lu Kang made the remarks in a press release in response to reports that Pakistan has confirmed the death of the two Chinese nationals and that the two had undertaken illegal preaching activities in Pakistan.

China has not received official confirmation of the deaths from Pakistan, and will do its best to verify reports that the two have been killed as soon as possible, Lu said.

China firmly opposes all kinds of terrorism and extreme violence targeting civilians, and supports Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism and safeguard domestic security, said Lu, adding that China will work with the international community in the fight against terrorism.

China appreciates Pakistan's efforts to rescue the two hostages and its commitment to better protect Chinese nationals and institutions in Pakistan, he said.

Lu said China has always asked its citizens to abide by local laws and regulations, respect local customs and be aware of risks when in foreign countries.

China will cooperate with Pakistan's investigation into illegal preaching activities allegedly undertaken by the two people, Lu said.

Pakistani Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar on Monday directed the ministry to review, regulate and streamline the process of issuing visas to Chinese nationals.

Nisar said that all Pakistani missions are bound to undertake proper scrutiny of visa applications and must get all necessary details before exercising their power to issue visas to foreign nationals.