(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-05-27 13:56

BEIJING  -- On May 12, the worst earthquake in more than three decades hit China's Sichuan province, causing huge human and property losses.

The Chinese government's rapid and well-organized rescue and relief efforts, and its openness to information release and news report about the disaster has won wide recognition, including some British and American media.

RAPID RESPONSE TO DISASTER

BBC (British Broadcasting Corp.) said in its observer article that China responded "promptly" to the quake. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao rushed to the disaster areas hours after the quake. China's national TV services such as CCTV also gave rapid response, providing timely special coverage of the earthquake, the article said.

The leading U.K. newspaper Times said that Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao immediately traveled to the quake-stricken area to lead the rescue and relief efforts. This shows the care and concern of the Chinese leaders for the people.

An Associated Press (AP) report said that from the very beginning, China's government quickly moved into high-gear, sending 20,000 soldiers and police into the disaster area with 30,000 more on the way. The government was also mobilizing food, clothes, tents and plastic sheeting for the victims and sent Premier Wen Jiabao to oversee relief efforts.

"The central government really cares about us," AP quoted farmer Li Sijun, 44, whose home collapsed in the town of Yingxiu. "Both (President) Hu Jintao and the premier visited us."

The AP quoted British top UN envoy John Sawers as saying, "I think China has reacted very promptly to the appalling disaster...and I think the political attention, the rapid response, has been admirable."

MORE MEDIA TRANSPARENCY

Western media also made positive comment on Chinese government's more open approach to the information release and news coverage of the disaster, calling it inspiring.

CNN (Cable News Network) of the US reported that CCTV, China's national television network, as well as many local TV stations, have interrupted their regular programming to provide 24-hour coverage of the disaster.

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