China 'shocked'; wants probe into NATO air strikes on Pak

Expressing "strong concern", China on Monday said it was "deeply shocked" by NATO air strikes on Pakistani border posts that left 24 soldiers killed and asked NATO to respect Pakistan's sovereignty besides seeking a probe into the incident.

"China is deeply shocked at the incident and expresses strong concern," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hong Lei told a media briefing.

He was reacting to the incident in which 24 soldiers were killed and 13 injured when NATO fighter jets and helicopters fired upon two Pakistani border posts near the Afghan border two days ago.

"China believes independence, sovereignty and territory of Pakistan should be respected in real earnest and the incident should be investigated in all earnestness and be handled appropriately in a serious manner", the official said.

Asked if China believed NATO was guilty, Hong said there should earnest probe into the incident.