President Bush Visits Chinese Embassy To Offer Aid To Earthquake Victims

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - President George Bush met with Chinese Ambassador Zhou Wenz at the Chinese embassy in Washington on Tuesday to offer condolences to the victims of the last week's earthquake.

The President visited the embassy with First Lady Laura Bush. "We've come to express our country's condolences for those who mourn for the loved ones. We stand ready to help in any way that the Chinese government would like. We know there's great courage being displayed, Mr. Ambassador, as rescue workers search for those who may still be living," he said.

President Bush also wrote in a condolence book, according to the China Daily, "We stand with you during this tragic moment as you mourn the loss of so many of your loved ones and search for those still missing. I admire the generosity of spirit and the strength of character shown by the Chinese people as you confront this natural disaster. Our country stands ready to assist in any manner that China deems helpful." The southwestern province of Sichuan in China was struck by a 7.9-magnitude earthquake on May 12. The disaster and the ensuing aftershocks and landslides have left more than 40,000 dead and 5 million homeless.

The Defense Department has sent a nine-member U.S. Agency for International Development team to China to help with search-and-rescue efforts.