After a magnitude 7 earthquake ravaged Ya-an City in mainland China's Sichuan Province April 20, Executive Yuan Spokesperson Cheng Li-wun said today that the Taiwan government will donate US$1 million in humanitarian aid through semi-official channels.
Cheng said that President Ma Ying-jeou is very concerned about Ya-an's situation and has instructed the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) to convey the Taiwan government's sympathies to mainland China. In addition, Taiwan has assembled rescue teams that can be immediately dispatched to affected areas at mainland China's request, she said.
On the day of the quake, the MAC instructed the semi-official Straits Exchange Foundation to contact its mainland counterpart, the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, and communicate Taiwan's willingness to offer assistance. Moreover, the foundation is checking on the safety of Taiwanese nationals working and traveling in mainland China, said Cheng, noting that no related deaths or injuries have been reported as yet.
Cheng said that the MAC and other government agencies will keep a close eye on the situation in Sichuan and offer further help as needed. The government is also encouraging civil groups to donate funds towards the relief efforts.