Photo: Sina Weibo

The Chinese embassy in Austria has urged overseas Chinese to stay at home after a terrorist attack in central Vienna left at least four dead and 15 injured. Chinese analysts said the attacks were a result of deep-rooted problems that Europe faces in handling affairs related to religious extremism.

A shooting occurred near Schwedenplatz on Monday, and the Chinese Embassy in Austria has confirmed with the Global Times on Tuesday that a Chinese Austrian died after being badly injured in the shootings. A Chinese citizen was injured and is under treatment in hospital.

The embassy reminded overseas Chinese in Austria, Chinese students, and employees of Chinese enterprises to pay attention to personal safety.

Overseas Chinese in Vienna are urged to pay attention to official news and comply with police requirements, and not go out. In the event of an emergency, the embassy said they should report to police and contact the Chinese embassy immediately. 

Yu Feng, a counselor from the embassy, told the Global Times that the Chinese citizen was not seriously injured and is now in a stable condition in hospital. 

"We have been in contact with him by phone. We have made it clear to him that the embassy will provide all necessary help and assistance," Yu said, adding the embassy will keep in touch with the Chinese citizen and he preferred to not be disturbed.

The attacks occurred at six locations close to Schwedenplatz in the heart of the Austrian capital, according to the Guardian. It said nearby Stadttempel synagogue could have been the target of the attack. At least four people have been killed and 15 people injured in the terrorist attack. 

The terror attack in Vienna came on the heels of a similar incident in France last week at a church in Nice, which was slammed by Macron as an "Islamist terrorist attack." 

Continuous terror attacks in Europe, previously in Belgium, Spain, Germany, France and now Austria, demonstrate the deep-rooted problems that Europe faces in handling affairs related to religion and the Middle East, said Li Wei, a counter-terrorism expert at the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations in Beijing.

The topic "terrorist attack in Vienna" remained one of the most viewed on Chinese social media platform Sina Weibo, so far garnering more than 290 million views. 

Chinese readers expressed sympathy online, with some saying, "What a difficult time for Europe, epidemic and terrorist attack coming at the same time," and condemning the brutal actions. 

The incident was described as a "repulsive terror attack" by Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, while French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted, "After France, a friendly country is attacked. This is our Europe. Our enemies must know who they are dealing with. We will not give up." 

Media reports said the attack occurred before a new lockdown was due to come into force in Vienna.