Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning presided over a regular press conference on Wednesday. When responding to a question from a Japanese media reporter, "How does the Chinese side view the damage caused by this earthquake?" she said that China is closely monitoring the earthquake and expressed condolences to the victims.
Mao Ning stated: "We are closely following the earthquake that occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. We express our condolences to the victims and extend our sympathies to the families of the deceased and the injured."
"The Chinese embassies and consulates in Japan have promptly activated emergency mechanisms and issued consular alerts, advising Chinese citizens to be vigilant against tsunamis and aftershocks. The Chinese Foreign Ministry and embassies and consulates in Japan will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide timely assistance to Chinese citizens in need."
At 3:27 p.m. Malaysia time on the 28th, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture. As of 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, 13 people have died.