Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday extended condolences to British Queen Elizabeth II over the deadly Manchester Arena blast.

Xi expressed his profound condolences to the innocent victims, and extended sincere sympathy to the families of the victims and the injured.

The Chinese people will firmly stand with the British people at this hard time, Xi noted.

Echoing this sentiment was Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who extended his condolences to British Prime Minister Theresa May. Li also expressed his sincere sympathy to the deceased, the injured and bereaved families.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said China is deeply sad and shocked by the incident. During a routine press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, Hua said China grieves over victims of the attack. 

‍At least 22 people were killed and nearly 60 injured after an explosion rocked the venue on Monday night (local time) as concertgoers were leaving a show by US pop star Ariana Grande.