Chinese President Hu Jintao on Wednesday expressed deep sadness over Tuesday's bomb attack in Jakarta and extended heartfelt condolences to the victims of the attack and their families.

In a message to Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri, Hu, on behalf of the Chinese government and the people, said the Chinese government strongly condemns this terrorist act.

Hu added that the Chinese government was willing to join hands with all countries in the region, including Indonesia, to combat terrorism and safeguard regional peace and stability.

Tuesday's blast at the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta killed 14 people and injured 152 others.

(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2003)