Special Representative of the Chinese Government and Assistant Foreign Minister Shen Guofang told the international donors' conference Tuesday that China donates 20 million US dollars for tsunami victims.

"The year 2004 ended with the sudden tsunami disaster in the Indian Ocean, which has brought about untold suffering and pain to the countries in Southeast Asia, South Asia and Africa," Shen said.

"At the Special ASEAN Leaders' Meeting on Aftermath of Earthquake and Tsunami five days ago, Premier Wen Jiabao announced that the Chinese Government would respond to the UN appeal with a donation of 20 million dollars for multilateral relief and reconstruction efforts within the UN framework. Here I would like to confirm this commitment on behalf of the Chinese Government and brief you on a preliminary plan for its use," he told the conference in his short speech.

"As a friendly neighbor of the afflicted countries, we have been filled with anxiety and sympathy for their plight," he added. A foreign disaster relief operation, the largest ever in China's history, was immediately launched after the disaster. He stressed that China is a developing country and is not rich.

"Our assistance is sincere and selfless, with no strings attached. This has been the abiding principle of our foreign aid over the years," he said. He also said that the Chinese people value credibility and is faithful to its commitment. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has announced that by the end of this month, more than half of our pledged assistance both in cash and in kind will have been put in place, he said.

The conference, held under the auspices of the United Nations, drew representatives from dozens of countries and international as well as regional organizations. The donors committed a total sum of 717 million dollars at the conference and the fund will be ready in the next couple of days.

Source: Xinhua