BEIJING - China on Tuesday condemned the rush-hour explosion in the heart of New York City subway system and sent a message of sympathy to the injured.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang made the remarks at a daily press briefing.

According to reports, the blast occurred early Monday morning in an underground passageway near Times Square, Manhattan, injuring four people. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said the incident was an attempted terrorist attack and "thank God the perpetrator did not achieve his ultimate goals."

"We are aware that the Mayor of New York City has called the incident an attempted terrorist attack," Lu said, adding, "Terrorism is the common enemy of humanity. China opposes terrorism in all manifestations and urges the international community to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation."