BEIJING, Jan. 29 -- China on Thursday called on Malaysia to fulfill its obligation of compensation to families of MH370 passengers and continue to search for the plane immediately after Malaysia declared MH370 an accident.

"At this moment of sadness, the Chinese government expresses its deep sorrow for the misery of those on board, and offers its profound sympathies and sincere condolences to their families," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying in a statement.

"We call on the Malaysian side to act on the commitments made in the statement (of declaring MH370 an accident), fulfill its obligation of compensation, protect the lawful rights and interests of the families and provide them with support and assistance," Hua said.

"We also call on the Malaysian side to remain fully committed to the search and investigation efforts and keep the families updated on the latest progress," she said.

The Chinese government will work closely with the government of Malaysia and Australia, actively participate in the search and investigation efforts, provide the families with all the necessary services and uphold their lawful rights and interests, said Hua.

Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 with 239 people on board, disappeared shortly after taking off from Kuala Lumpur on March 8 en-route to Beijing.

Director General of the Malaysian Department of Civil Aviation Azharuddin Abdul Rahman announced Thursday that the status of flight of MH370 has been finalized as lost.

He said passengers and crew of the flight presumed dead and search remains priority.