China slams US's 'inaction' on gun violence and 'growing racial hatred' after Charleston church shootings

China, which is often the target of United States human rights accusations, has wasted little time returning such charges following the shooting at a historic black church in South Carolina.

Elsewhere around the world, the attack renewed perceptions that Americans have too many guns and have yet to overcome racial tensions.

Some said the attack reinforced their fears about personal security in the US - particularly as a non-white foreigner - while others said they would still feel safe if they were to visit.

In Australia and northeast Asia, where firearms are controlled and gun violence is almost unheard of, many were baffled by many Americans' determination to own guns despite repeated mass shootings, such as the 2012 tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, where a gunman killed 20 children and six adults.

Australia had a similar attitude toward firearms prior to a 1996 mass shooting that killed 35. Soon after, tight restrictions on gun ownership were imposed and no such incidents have been reported since.