China ready to offer humanitarian aid to quake-hit Pakistan: spokeswoman

BEIJING, April 17 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to offer humanitarian aid to Pakistan for disaster relief purposes, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Wednesday.

"The Chinese government expresses its condolences for those who died in the earthquake and extends its sympathy to the relatives of the dead and those who were injured," Hua said at a regular press briefing.

"The Red Cross Society of China is preparing to provide humanitarian aid to Pakistan's Red Crescent," Hua added.

Hua said there have been no reports concerning Chinese citizens or institutions who may have been affected by the disaster, adding that the Foreign Ministry has already asked its embassy and consulate in Pakistan to investigate.

"We will follow the latest developments closely and provide timely service for Chinese citizens and institutions in need," Hua said.

At least 40 people were killed and over 300 others injured in a 7.9-magnitude earthquake that hit Pakistan Tuesday afternoon.

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