China, Oct. 26 -- China is calling for joint efforts to counter human smuggling after the discovery of 39 bodies, reported to be Chinese nationals, in a truck in Essex, United Kingdom.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters at a regular news conference that China could not yet confirm the victims' nationalities or identities but has been working in close cooperation with local authorities.

"The British police are still in an intensive process of verification and are still unable to confirm (nationalities) at the moment," Hua said. "But I think that no matter where these victims come from, this is a great tragedy that has drawn the attention of the international community to the issue of illegal immigration.

"I think t...