China welcomes international aid to quake relief: FM spokeswoman

BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- China welcomes and appreciates the international community's willingness to aid quake relief work in northwest China's Qinghai Province, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said on Sunday.

Jiang said the international community had extended condolences and expressed concerns about the relief work after a 7.1-magnitude quake struck the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yushu, Qinghai, early Wednesday, killing at least 1,706 people.

Some countries and organizations have expressed their willingness to offer assistance, which is a clear manifestation of their goodwill to China, Jiang said.

"Chinese government welcomes and sincerely appreciates their goodwill," she said, adding that the information for receiving donations has been published.

The spokeswoman said the Chinese government is sparing no effort in rescue and relief as more rescuers and relief materials are being sent to the quake zone.

"We believe the people affected by the earthquake will surely overcome the disaster and rebuild their home with concerted efforts of the Chinese people and the support of the international community," Jiang said.