A man gestures after the attack against Ecuadorian presidential cadidate Fernando Villavicencio in Quito, on August 9, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

BEIJING — China condemns the attack and extends condolences for the unfortunate assassination of Ecuador's presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

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"We hope the Ecuadorian government and relevant parties will work to maintain stability and that the upcoming election will be safe, steady and smooth," the spokesperson said.