China offers help to tsunami-hit areas

The Chinese government has actively involved in the aiding campaign launched worldwide for the tsunami-hit areas since the disaster took place by the end of 2004, says the white paper titled "China's Progress in Human Rights in 2004" published by the Information Office of the State Council here Wednesday.

The white paper says, by end of 2004, when the most serious tsunami in recorded history happened in the Indian Ocean, the Chinese government and people, out of deep sympathy for the suffering of the people of the afflicted countries, and provided earnest help for their disaster relief and rehabilitation, gaining appreciation at home and from abroad for their spirit of internationalism and humanism.

By March 1, 2005, the Chinese government had offered 686 million yuan worth of aid, and the non-governmental donations amounted to 576 million yuan, in which over 50 percent of governmental aid in kind and cash had been delivered to the afflicted countries.

The Chinese government also sent two international aid teams, four medical teams, a DNA analysis team and an investigation and consolation delegation.

The document says, the Chinese government was also actively involved in international and regional cooperation in the early- warning mechanism for severe natural disasters, making its contributions to the better living and development of the world population. At last, the white paper said that it is also an important target of China's all-round construction of a well-off, harmonious socialist society. Together with the international community, China will, as always, make persistent efforts in promoting continuous progress of human rights in China and healthy development of international human rights.