China urges all parties in Myanmar to ensure relief workers, supplies’ safety

China urges all parties in Myanmar to ensure the safety of earthquake relief workers and supplies from China and other countries, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.

In response to a query at a daily press briefing, spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that relief supplies provided by the Red Cross Society of China have arrived in Myanmar and are on their way to the disaster-stricken area of Mandalay.

“At present, relief workers and supplies are safe,” Guo said.

Stressing that the top priority at present is to provide disaster relief, he said China hopes that all parties in Myanmar will work together to overcome the difficulties, urging Myanmar to ensure smooth rescue transportation channels.

China is willing to provide assistance and support to the disaster-stricken areas in Myanmar to the best of its ability according to Myanmar’s needs, he said.

The death toll from Friday’s 7.9-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has risen to 2,886, with 4,639 injured and 373 still missing, according to the country’s State Administration Council information team on Wednesday.

The Chinese Embassy in Myanmar has delivered cash assistance worth 1.5 million yuan (about $206,700) to the Myanmar Red Cross Society.

(With input from Xinhua)