On September 7, 2004, Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo went to the Embassy of the Russian Federation to China to offer condolences to the victimized Russian citizens in the hostage crisis in North Ossetia, Russia, on behalf of the Chinese government.

Dai strongly condemned the hostage-taking event that took place in Beslan, North Ossetia, Russia. He said that the Chinese government firmly supports the Russian government in fighting terrorism and its every effort to safeguard national security and territorial integrity, and will strengthen cooperation with Russia in severely combating terrorism, separatism and extremism. He expressed the belief that under the leadership of President Putin, the Russian people will surely surmount the difficulties and progress forward constantly on the path to national rejuvenation and prosperity.

Russian Ambassador Igor A. Rogachev thanked the Chinese government and people for the sympathy and support, saying that China is a reliable strategic partner of Russia and the Chinese people are sincere friends of the Russian people. Citing "A friend in need is a friend indeed", he said that Russian would like to strengthen cooperation with China within the bilateral framework and the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to safeguard regional and world peace and security.