The United States has provided more than 23 million U.S. dollars in aid to China following a devastating earthquake in China's southwestern Sichuan province.

The White House, in anticipation of an appeal from the International Red Cross, has offered 500,000 dollars to the Chinese Red Cross. It also delivered disaster relief supplies valued nearly 700,000 dollars to the quake-hit regions.

The American Red Cross (ARC) donated 10 million dollars in aid to the people in the disaster-hit regions. And U.S. enterprises by far have provided more than 12 million dollars in cash and goods to China.

The death toll from the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Sichuan province rose to 28,881 nationwide as of 2 p.m. (0600 GMT) Friday, while the rescue headquarters feared the ultimate figure might top 50,000.

(Xinhua News Agency May 18, 2008)