China offers condolences and help to Taiwan following earthquake

Rescue workers removing a baby from the site where a 17-storey apartment collapsed after an earthquake hit Tainan on Feb 6. PHOTO: REUTERS

BEIJING -Chinese Premier Li Keqiang sent profound condolences to Taiwan following a deadly earthquake which jolted the south of the island early Saturday (Feb 6) morning, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported. He conveyed this while addressing a festive gathering in Beijing for the upcoming Lunar New Year.

China has offered assistance to Taiwan following a deadly earthquake which jolted the south of the island early Saturday (Feb 6) morning. The mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) has been in contact with Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) since 6 a.m Saturday, two hours after the quake struck near the city of Tainan, said Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office. He said ARATS has sent a letter to the SEF offering rescue assistance if needed.

Mr Ma also expressed concern and condolences for those who have suffered in the quake. The quake damaged several buildings, causing the collapse of at least one, trapping hundreds of residents and leaving two dead, according to local media reports. rescue operations are ongoing as Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou rushed to the scene of the disaster.

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