TWO Chinese U.N. peacekeepers were killed in renewed fighting between South Sudan’s rival army factions in capital Juba, a U.N. official confirmed to Xinhua yesterday.

    The official at the U.N. Mission in South Sudan, who asked not to be identified, said the armored vehicle that a group of Chinese peacekeepers were traveling in on duty was hit by a mortar shell Sunday, leading to the deaths and injuries.

    “I can confirm that two Chinese were killed Sunday evening and eight others injured. Four of the injured are in a critical condition,” the official said. Among the injured, five are Chinese.

    China yesterday strongly condemned the attack.

    The incident happened Sunday evening local time as fighting between government and anti-government forces continued in Juba, according to China’s Ministry of National Defense. A peacekeeping vehicle, which was guarding a refugee camp, was hit by a shell.

    China is deeply shocked and strongly condemns the attack, and extends deep condolences to the victims and their families, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang told a daily news briefing.

    Lu said China called for a cease-fire, the cessation of violence, and the implementation of the peace deal in South Sudan to restore stability and avoid more casualties.

    The Foreign Ministry has issued a safety warning, advising Chinese citizens to avoid South Sudan and calling on those in South Sudan to avoid conflict areas, Lu said.

    Fighting between government troops of South Sudan President Salva Kiir and forces loyal to Vice President Riek Machar resumed yesterday. South Sudan’s Health Ministry said at least 271 people were killed in Friday’s clashes. The exact number of those killed in fighting since Sunday is not known.(Xinhua)