Beijing: China today (Oct 12, 2004) said negotiations were underway to secure the safe release of two of its nationals held hostage by militants in Pakistan's tribal region.

"At the moment, the negotiations between the Pakistani side and the hostage-takers are underway. It is not appropriate for me to disclose any details. I hope for a smooth conclusion of the incident," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Zhang Qiyue, told reporters in Beijing.

"That is all what I can say at this moment," Zhang said when asked to comment on the execution threat by Abdullah Mahsud, a tribal leader linked to al-Qaeda.

She said the Chinese Government has asked Pakistan to spare no effort for the safe return of two Chinese engineers held hostage since Saturday (Oct 9, 2004).

"The Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese embassy in Pakistan attach high attention to the incident and made urgent representations to the Pakistani side," she said.

"They have expressed China's great concern for the safety of the kidnapped Chinese engineers and urged the Pakistani Government to take effective measures to rescue the Chinese engineers, ensure their safety and spare no effort in their rescue."