CHENGDU, Sichuan, May 11 (Xinhua) --
Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday expressed his appreciation of the world
community for its strong support and valuable aid in the wake of last year's devastating
earthquake in southwest China and called for further international cooperation
in tackling major natural disasters.
"In face of grave natural disasters, the
international community could support each other, enhance cooperation, join
hands and jointly tackle the difficulties," Hu told some senior foreign
diplomats who were invited to the capital of Sichuan Province on the anniversary
of the quake.
Chinese President Hu Jintao (C front)
meets with envoys and delegates of some countries and international
organizations, who come to attend the activities marking the anniversary
of last year's devastating earthquake in the southwestern Sichuan
Province, in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, May 11, 2009.
(Xinhua/Ju Peng) Photo Gallery>>>
The magnitude-8.0 quake that hit southwest China,
including many parts of Sichuan, on May 12, killed more than 69,000 people, left
nearly 18,000 missing, more than 374,000 injured and millions homeless.
Facing the grave disaster, Chinese armed forces and
Chinese people worked as one and struggled in unity in rescue work and disaster
relief, Hu told those diplomats during the half-hour meeting.
The international community extended their helping
hands as governments, groups and individuals from more than 160 countries and
some international organizations offered a large number of fund and material
assistance via different channels.
Some countries, such as Russia and Japan, sent rescue
teams and doctors to help the Chinese people in the quake-hit areas.
Foreign rescuers, in total, offered medical care to
more than 10, 000 injured people, found 52 bodies of the victims and took out
one survivor from the debris, Chinese official statistics show.
"The assistance from the international community
strongly supported China's disaster relief and reconstruction efforts, showcased
grand humanitarianism and sincere friendship with the Chinese people," Hu said.
Hu briefed China's reconstruction work to the
diplomats, saying it has been carried out in a strong, orderly and effective
manner and recorded staged success.
"After one year of hard working, the quake-hit areas
witnessed the resumption of and development in their social and economic
construction," Hu noted.
The production and living conditions in those areas
were improving and the people were working hard to build better lives and new
homes, said the head of state.
Hu thanked the international community for their
support and aid, saying the money and materials have been used in various fields
such as rebuilding of homes, roads, schools, hospitals and other important
infrastructure.
China has carried out "vigorous overseeing" and
"effectively used" the donation from the international community, Hu told the 30
diplomats, including those from the United States, Russia, Japan, Pakistan and
representatives from the UN International Children 's Emergency Fund and the
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
"We will strive to use the international donation in
the places most in need," he said, labeling the cooperation between China and
the world as "a good example of international cooperation in disaster relief."
"Chinese government and people will step up exchange
and cooperation with the world community, jointly tackle various global
challenges and push for a harmonious world featuring long-lasting peace and
common prosperity," Hu said.
"We came here to show respect to the patriotism and
wisdom of the Chinese people," said Nolana Ta Ama, ambassador of the Republic of
Togo and dean of the diplomatic corp to China.
The diplomats were also here to show respect to the
mechanism Chinese government established in tackling the quake, he said.
"China's efforts and success in fighting against the quake and disaster relief
were a contribution to the world."
Ama spoke highly of China's "enormous efforts in
saving lives and helping the survivors to resume their lives," pledging that the
world community will continue support and help the affected regions.
The diplomats will visit some quake-hit spots near
Chengdu on Tuesday.
BEIJING, May 11 (Xinhua) -- China received about 76.7
billion yuan (about 11.2 billion U.S. dollars) in cash and relief materials from
domestic and foreign donors after the massive earthquake last May 12, official
sources said Monday.
By April 30, a total of 65.996 billion yuan in cash
and relief materials worth 10.716 billion yuan were donated to areas affected by
the quake, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said. Full story
BEIJING, May 11 (Xinhua) -- China will mark the
anniversary of last year's devastating earthquake in the southwestern Sichuan
Province Tuesday afternoon with commemorative activities to be held in the
epicenter Yingxiu Township. Full story
