China sent the request of the New Zealand government, a rescue team in the city of Christchurch, said Thursday the spokesman of Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ma.
According to the China Earthquake Administration, the ten-member team consists of experts and rescuers.
China is ready to provide assistance as needed from New Zealand, Ma said at a regular press conference.
He said the Chinese government has paid great attention to developments following the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that rocked Christchurch Tuesday, one of the largest cities in New Zealand. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi expressed their condolences to their counterparts in New Zealand.
Mr. Ma noted that the Chinese embassy in Willington had immediately launched an emergency response, while the Chinese Ambassador Xu Jianguo New Zealand led a mission to assist the Chinese alone.
The embassy has also opened a hotline to provide permanent emergency aid to the Chinese, accessible at the following numbers: 0064-27-5196653, 0064-21-841026 and 0064-27-5196656.
Mr. Ma said that the embassy is currently looking for Chinese students reported missing and that China has urged New Zealand to do everything possible to find them.
The Chinese Red Cross and the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, respectively donated to the relief of 50,000 dollars and 100,000 yuan (15,210 dollars) in New Zealand, "he added .
The New Zealand police confirmed Thursday that 98 people had died in the quake and 226 were still missing.
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