On April 17, 2007, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing sent a letter of condolences to U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice over the shooting tragedy at Virginia Tech.

In the message, Li said that he was "shocked" by the shootings at Virginia Tech, which had caused heavy casualties and he condemned the violent act. "On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I would like to express deepest condolences to the victims and sincere solicitude to the U.S. government and its people, especially the injured and the family members of the victims," said Li. He also wished the injured a speedy recovery.