China announced Wednesday that it would give Pakistan additional emergency supply of cotton tents, blankets and stoves worth US$500,000 and 500,000 yuan (US$61,730) to help victims of the October 8 earthquake.

"Given the emergency of the disaster relief effort, China commits to deliver this batch of goods within one week ... to the people in need," Huang Hai, assistant minister of commerce of China, said at a ministerial-level meeting organized in Geneva by the UN on assistance to communities affected by the earthquake.

"Moreover, the Chinese government, in line with the actual need of the disaster area, will shortly announce further assistance measures to Pakistan, which will include additional grant through bilateral channel," he added.

On the next day of the earthquake, the Chinese government announced to provide Pakistan with cash and goods worth US$6.2 million. At this moment, all the emergency supplies have arrived in Pakistan.

China has also, in the quickest manner possible, sent to the disaster area a 50-member international rescue team consisting of technical experts on building structure, telecommunication, earthquake forecast, earthquake geology, and equipment needs.

This is the biggest ever professional rescue team since the establishment of China International Rescue Team carrying out overseas missions.

(Xinhua News Agency October 27, 2005)