Special report: Reconstruction After Earthquake

U.S. President George W. Bush speaks during a meeting on China earthquake relief efforts at the American Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington, DC, June 6, 2008. (Xinhua/Zhang Yan) Photo Gallery>>>

    WASHINGTON, June 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W. Bush said here Friday he is impressed by China's firm response to the earthquake disaster and he is happy with the progress of the relief efforts.

    "There's no question this is a major human disaster that requires a strong response from the Chinese government, which is what they're providing," he said during a meeting at the headquarters of American Red Cross focusing on the U.S. response to the May 12 earthquake in China's Sichuan province.

    "There will be more work that needs to be done. My message to the Chinese government is, thank you for welcoming our aid. Thank you for taking a firm response to this disaster, and just know the American people care about the people of China. When a brother and sister hurts, we care about it," he said.

    Bush also praised the U.S. nongovernmental organizations, the business sector and charities for their compassion and donations in response to the earthquake.

    The meeting is hosted by the American Red Cross, Business Roundtable and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

    The participants, including Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of Treasury Henry Paulson as well as leaders from U.S. nongovernmental organizations, the business sector and charities, were briefed by China's ambassador to the United States Zhou Wenzhong by the latest information on the situation in Sichuan and long-term relief and reconstruction needs.

    Zhou later told Xinhua that China appreciated U.S. help to the relief efforts, saying it is an example of the China-U.S. constructive and cooperative relationship.

    The two countries are always helping each other in times of need, and China has donated 5 million U.S. dollars in aid to the United States when Hurricane Katrina struck southern U.S. states in 2005, he said.

    Zhou said a high-level U.S. delegation headed by a deputy secretary of state will soon visit China and assess relief and reconstruction needs.

 American Red Cross pledges more fund for China's earthquake relief efforts

U.S. President George W. Bush (C) speaks as Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Zhou Wenzhong (1st,right), U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (2nd right) and U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson (1st left) listen during a meeting on China earthquake relief efforts at the American Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington, DC, June 6, 2008. (Xinhua/Zhang Yan) Photo Gallery>>>

    WASHINGTON, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The American Red Cross Friday pledged an additional contribution of 10 million U.S. dollars to support the China earthquake relief and recovery efforts.

    Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, chairman of the American Red Cross, made the announcement at a roundtable meeting focusing on the U.S. response to China's earthquake.

    EU official praises China for handling earthquake situation

    BRUSSELS, June 6 (Xinhua) -- A European Union (EU) high-level official spoke highly Friday of the Chinese government for the way it has handled the earthquake situation in Sichuan Province.

    "I have the utmost respect for the way the Chinese government is dealing with this difficult situation," said EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner.