China will continue to stand with Myanmar as it emerges from the disaster: FM spokesperson

(ECNS) -- A merciless disaster can bring out the best of humanity. China, in the spirit of "pauk-phaw" friendship, will continue to stand with Myanmar and work closely with the country as it emerges from the disaster,the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press briefing on Monday.

Immediately after the earthquake, China launched an emergency response with an all-out rescue and consular protection operation, the spokesperson noted.

A rescue and medical team from Yunnan Province arrived in Myanmar within 18 hours — the first international rescue team to arrive on the scene. Working with local rescuers, the team successfully pulled a survivor from under the rubble.

The China Search and Rescue Team (CSAR), the China International Search and Rescue Team (CISAR), a rescue team sent by the Hong Kong SAR and the International Emergency Rescue Team of the Red Cross Society of China traveled to Myanmar overnight. Non-governmental rescue groups from China are also arriving in Myanmar.

"As we speak, around 400 Chinese experts, rescuers and medical workers are working against the clock on the ground. They have rescued six survivors so far. China has announced 100 million yuan worth of emergency humanitarian aid and urgently needed supplies including tents, first-aid kits, food and drinking water to Myanmar. The first shipment of aid has already arrived. The Red Cross Society of China delivered the relief supplies,"Guo said at the briefing.

"The Chinese teams will do everything they can to fully seize the 72-hour golden window for search and rescue, treat the injured and deliver the aid supplies to the people in need. We believe that with the support of the international community, the government and people of Myanmar will stand together, and recover from the disaster and rebuild better," the spokesperson highlighted.

The death toll from Friday's 7.9-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has risen to 2,056, with approximately 3,900 people injured and nearly 270 reported missing, according to the country's State Administration Council Information Team on Monday.