China offers aid and support to Myanmar after deadly earthquake

China is ready to provide emergency humanitarian assistance and support to the affected areas in Myanmar, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Friday. This comes in response to the urgent need for disaster relief and rescue efforts following the devastating earthquake.

The spokesperson made the remarks in response to inquiries about Chinese casualties in the magnitude-7.9 earthquake and China's ongoing relief efforts.

Noting Myanmar is China's friendly neighbor, the spokesperson added that China is closely monitoring the situation and extends its sincere sympathies to Myanmar.

"We hope and believe that the government and people of Myanmar will overcome difficulties and rebuild their home at an early date," the spokesperson said.

Following the earthquake, the Chinese Embassy and Consulate-General in Myanmar swiftly activated their emergency response mechanism and issued relevant consular notices. They have gathered and verified information to assess whether any Chinese institutions, companies or nationals have been affected. As of now, no deaths have been reported among Chinese nationals.

"The people of China and Myanmar enjoy a profound 'pauk-phaw' (fraternal) friendship. We feel for the people of Myanmar over the disaster," the spokesperson concluded.

(Cover: The Chinese Foreign Ministry. /Xinhua)