Two Chinese working groups in Malaysia

Two teams of officials sent by the Chinese government are now in Kuala Lumpur. A delegation from the Ministry of Public Security arrived on Monday afternoon, to help with search and rescue, identifying the passengers with stolen passports, and the settlement of family members. The second arrived later that night. A 13-member team composed of officials with the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Public Security, Transport, and the Civil Aviation Administration.  [Special coverage]

They are to handle affairs once the relatives of the passengers arrive in Malaysia. Leading the team is Guo Shaochun, also deputy director of the Department of Consular Affairs with the Foreign Ministry. He said upon arrival that they will start their work immediately.

"We will call on the Malaysian side and other foreign parties involved in the rescue work to work together with Chinese planes and ships, to intensify research and rescue efforts, strengthen coordination, and not to give up if there is any hope." said Guo Shaochun, Deputy Director, Chinese Department of Consular Affairs.