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Q: It is reported that eight Chinese people are kidnapped in Iraq. What comment does the Chinese side have?

A: The Chinese side has grave concern over this incident. The Chinese people always cherish friendly feelings and sympathize and support the Iraqi people. The Chinese Government always focuses on maintaining the fundamental interests of the Iraqi people in handling the Iraqi issue. The eight Chinese hostages are all ordinary Chinese citizens who went to Iraq on their own to seek employment. Since they failed to find any work, they were leaving Iraq in a rented car when they were kidnapped. We hope they can be safely freed as soon as possible. The Chinese Foreign Ministry is taking all active measures to rescue them.