BEIJING, March 13 -- China's Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) has proposed sending an expert team to help search for the missing Malaysian plane MH370, the administration's deputy director Xia Xinghua said on Thursday.

Xia said he made the suggestion during a meeting with Malaysian officials on Wednesday.

He said different search units should enhance coordination and information sharing, while suggesting Malaysia allow China to send an expert team to offer technical support.

This would help both keep the CAAC posted on developments and pacify relatives of the missing passengers.

Xia said the CAAC has formed a working group to provide assistance to the relatives.

Ong Ka Ting, Malaysian Prime Minister's Special Envoy to China, said the Malaysian government will give priority to China's requirement, and explore a channel for communication between the aviation authorities of the two sides immediately.

The missing Malaysia Airlines plane traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people on board, including 154 Chinese, lost contact with air traffic control on Saturday.