President Xi Jinping extended condolences to New Zealand Governor-General Patsy Reddy on Friday after a mass shooting in Christchurch.
In his message, Xi said he was shocked to learn about Friday's tragedy, in which 50 people have so far died and dozens were left injured.
Xi said that on behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, he expressed deep sympathy with and sincere condolences to the New Zealand government and the people of New Zealand, while expressing grief for the victims and wishing that the injured might have an early recovery.
Also on Friday, Premier Li Keqiang sent a message of condolence to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, expressing grief for the victims while extending sincere sympathies to the injured and the bereaved families.
A gunman opened fire at two New Zealand mosques on Friday, killing some even as they were kneeling in prayer.
The suspect in the shootings, wearing handcuffs and a prison jumpsuit, appeared calm during an appearance in a local court on Saturday, when he was charged with murder.
Authorities said he will face further charges, according to Reuters.
Brenton Harrison Tarrant, 28, who was born in Australia and was living in New Zealand, gazed around the packed courtroom but did not speak during his three-minute appearance.
As condolences flooded in from around the world, Prime Minister Ardern reiterated her promise for changes to the country's gun laws on Sunday, saying at a news conference that laws need to change and "they will change". She said her Cabinet will discuss the policy details on Monday.
