Asian leaders denounce Paris attack

Their leaders denounced the killing of 12 people and the wounding of 11 others by masked gunmen who stormed the offices of a satirical newspaper in Paris, France.

South Korea called it a "shocking terror attack" and vowed to join international efforts to fight terrorism.

"The government cannot hide its shock over the deaths of many people including police officers in the act of terrorism on the headquarters of Charlie Hebdo and strongly denounces this terrorist act," South Korea's foreign ministry said in a statement. 

"The South Korean government prays for the repose of the victims and offers its deep condolences to the bereaved families and the French people." "Under the firm stance that terrorism is an unjustifiable, anti-civil and anti-human act that must be eradicated, South Korea supports the French government's fight against terrorism," it said.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said he was "profoundly shocked and saddened" to learn of the brutal attack.

In a statement, he conveyed his condolences to the French government and to the families of the victims.

"Thailand strongly condemns this act of terrorism. All perpetrators must be brought to justice. We stand in solidarity with the people of the French Republic in this moment of mourning," Prayut said. 

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak took to Twitter immediately after news came out on the attack to condemn it. "Malaysia condemns in the strongest terms all acts of violence. We stand in unity with the French people. We must fight extremism with moderation," he tweeted.

Malaysia's Foreign Ministry said nothing justifies taking innocent lives amid the most deadly militant attack in the country in decades. 

"The Government of Malaysia strongly condemns the attack on the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo on January 7. Nothing justifies taking innocent lives. Malaysia is united with the families of the victims, the Government of France, and the French people. As the Prime Minister of Malaysia has said, we must fight extremism with moderation, cross-cultural understanding and respect," said the statement. 

Philippine Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said freedom of expression and of the press must continue to be upheld and protected.

"We condemn the terror attack that killed journalists and policemen in Paris," Coloma told INQUIRER.net several hours after the shooting, which French President Francois Hollande said was a terrorist attack.

It followed an earlier statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that said it was "appalled by the senseless attacks".

The agency said it was one with France and the rest of the world in denouncing the "blatant disregard for human lives and the fundamental right of expression."

"We condole and sympathise with the families of the victims as they mourn the loss of their loved ones and begin their quest for justice," the DFA added.

On Wednesday, three gunmen stormed the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo, a weekly known for lampooning Islam and other religions. 

An editor-in-chief and three cartoonists were among the victims killed in the attack.