China's Armed Police Force has paid respect to an officer killed in a terrorist attack on the Jazeera Palace Hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu this past week. Zhang Nan, an 11-year veteran who worked with the Chinese embassy in Somalia, was posthumously conferred the title of "Loyal Guardian."

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Zhang is among 15 people killed in the attack by Islamic militant group al Shabaab. At least 20 people - including two armed police guards - were also injured in the blast.

The attack has raised questions about the ability of Somali authorities to protect territories won back from the terrorists. China only reopened its embassy in Somalia last year after it was closed for over two decades due to the protracted war in Somalia. Over the past few years, al Shabaab has staged attacks on some of the most secure places in Somalia including the Parliament building and the Presidential Palace.

The Jazeera Palace Hotel was regarded as one of the safest places in Somalia. It served as the consulate offices for several foreign diplomatic envoys and was frequented by top politicians and business persons who visited Somalia.

Following the attack, the Chinese foreign ministry revealed that it will step up efforts to protect Chinese interests in Somalia and support the war-torn country.

A spokesperson for the Somali government Abdisalam Ahmed Aato said the attack was calculated to create the impression that Somalia is not safe. Experts also say it was also orchestrated to attract maximum publicity.

Despite the security questions, the Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, Wei Hongtian, has revealed that China does not intend to withdraw its diplomatic mission in Somalia again. Wei expressed sadness over the death of Nan and the other officers injured in the attack.

Nan was laid to rest on Sunday in Jinan, Shandong Province. Hundreds of people - including government officials and members of the Armed Police Force - were present to pay respect to Nan and extend condolences to his family.

TagsChinese Embassy Somalia Bomb Blast, Jazeera Palace Hotel Attack, Zhang Nan, Funeral for Chinese Embassy Guard Killed in Somalia