The scene of the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo. Photo: Reuters

In a statement, a White House spokesperson said: “We are shocked and saddened to hear about the violent attack against former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. We are closely monitoring the reports and keeping our thoughts with his family and the people of Japan.”

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said “We have noticed this sudden incident and were shocked. We are following the development of the situation and hope that former Prime Minister Abe will get out of danger and recover soon.”

The US and Russian ambassadors to Japan condemned the attack on Mr. Abe and prayed for his health.

European Council President Charles Michel said he was shocked and saddened by cowardly attack on Shinzo Abe while performing his professional duties. “A true friend, fierce defender of multilateral order & democratic values. EU stands with people of Japan and Fumio Kishida in these difficult times,” Michel said.

On the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Bali, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi “expressed her sympathies in the name of G20 foreign ministers to the Japanese foreign minister.”