China’s President, Xi Jinping, extended a message of sympathy to Myanmar’s junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, on Saturday, following a devastating earthquake that claimed the lives of at least 1,000 people. Xi expressed “deep sorrow” over the destruction caused by the 7.7-magnitude quake and assured Myanmar of China’s readiness to provide necessary aid to support the affected communities, according to a statement from China’s foreign ministry.
The earthquake, which struck northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar, on Friday afternoon, was followed by a powerful 6.7-magnitude aftershock. The tremors caused widespread destruction, including collapsed buildings, bridges, and roads, particularly affecting Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city.
The tremors also affected parts of China’s Yunnan province and Thailand. In Thailand, a 30-story building under construction collapsed in Bangkok, trapping up to 100 workers.
In response to the disaster, China deployed an 82-person rescue team to Myanmar on Saturday, following a rare request for international aid from the Myanmar junta. Additionally, a rescue team from China’s Yunnan province arrived in Yangon, Myanmar’s commercial hub.
China has pledged to send 100 million yuan (approximately $13.8 million) in emergency humanitarian assistance, with shipments scheduled to begin on Monday, according to China’s international aid agency.
Myanmar has been grappling with the aftermath of a military coup and civil war over the past four years, which has severely weakened its healthcare and emergency response systems.
Despite the country’s internal struggles, this rare appeal for foreign assistance highlights the severity of the disaster. According to China’s foreign ministry, there have been no reports of Chinese casualties.
