BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday sent a message of condolence to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the heavy casualties caused by the crash of a Russian passenger plane.

In the message, Xi said he was shocked to learn that a Russian passenger plane had crashed in Russia's Amur Region, causing heavy casualties. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, he conveyed deep condolences over the loss of lives and extended sincere sympathies to the bereaved families.