In the message, the Chinese government said it was shocked to learn of the assassination of Bhutto.

"Ms. Benazir Bhutto, a seasoned Pakistani statesman and an old friend of the Chinese people, has made significant contributions to the promotion of China-Pakistan friendly relations during her lifetime," said the message.

China extended profound condolences over Bhutto's death and sincere sympathies to her family, it said.

Bhutto, 54, was killed Thursday evening in a suicide bombing attack during her election rally at the Liaquat Bagh park in Rawalpindi, some 30km south of the Pakistani capital Islamabad. At least 20 others were killed in the attack.