White House Correspondents' Dinner Shooting; China Responds for the First Time: Consistently Condemns Violence
Following the April 25th shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian made the country's first official statement, expressing that China "consistently opposes and condemns any illegal acts of violence." This cautious stance contrasts with many nations that issued strong condemnations.
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- 📰 Published: April 27, 2026 at 16:56
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(Central News Agency, Taipei, 27th) In response to the shooting incident that occurred at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on the 25th, China today made its first official statement. In contrast to many heads of state who have expressed condemnation, China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian briefly stated, when answering a media question, that China is concerned about this shooting incident and consistently opposes and condemns illegal acts of violence.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry held its regular press conference this afternoon. CCTV News reported that Lin Jian made the brief statement when asked by the media what China's comment was on this shooting incident.
On the 25th, Eastern US time, the White House Correspondents' Association held its annual dinner in Washington D.C. With political dignitaries such as US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance gathered, gunfire was suddenly heard outside the banquet hall, drawing global attention.
After the incident, many heads of state around the world immediately condemned the violent act. President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan posted on social media that he was shocked and deeply concerned about the shooting incident reported at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. He was relieved to learn that President Trump and other attendees were unharmed and strongly condemned political violence in any form.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that he was shocked by the situation at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, and that any attack on democratic institutions or press freedom must be condemned in the strongest terms.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pointed out that he and his wife Sara were shocked by the "attempted assassination" targeting Trump, and saluted the swift and decisive handling by the US Secret Service.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was relieved that President (Trump), the First Lady, and all guests attending were safe. Political violence has no place in any democratic system, and this incident was disturbing. "My heart goes out to everyone deeply affected."
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also stated that violence is never the answer. Humanity can only move forward through democracy, coexistence, and peace.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif noted that he was "deeply shocked by this disturbing shooting incident" and was relieved that Trump, the First Lady, and other attendees were safe. (Editors: Chiu Kuo-chiang/Chang Shu-ling) 1150427
The Chinese Foreign Ministry held its regular press conference this afternoon. CCTV News reported that Lin Jian made the brief statement when asked by the media what China's comment was on this shooting incident.
On the 25th, Eastern US time, the White House Correspondents' Association held its annual dinner in Washington D.C. With political dignitaries such as US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance gathered, gunfire was suddenly heard outside the banquet hall, drawing global attention.
After the incident, many heads of state around the world immediately condemned the violent act. President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan posted on social media that he was shocked and deeply concerned about the shooting incident reported at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. He was relieved to learn that President Trump and other attendees were unharmed and strongly condemned political violence in any form.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that he was shocked by the situation at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, and that any attack on democratic institutions or press freedom must be condemned in the strongest terms.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pointed out that he and his wife Sara were shocked by the "attempted assassination" targeting Trump, and saluted the swift and decisive handling by the US Secret Service.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was relieved that President (Trump), the First Lady, and all guests attending were safe. Political violence has no place in any democratic system, and this incident was disturbing. "My heart goes out to everyone deeply affected."
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also stated that violence is never the answer. Humanity can only move forward through democracy, coexistence, and peace.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif noted that he was "deeply shocked by this disturbing shooting incident" and was relieved that Trump, the First Lady, and other attendees were safe. (Editors: Chiu Kuo-chiang/Chang Shu-ling) 1150427