Mainland expresses gratitude for Taiwan's concern after earthquake

BEIJING -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson Wednesday expressed gratitude for concern and condolences from Taiwan after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake in a remote area of Southwest China's Sichuan province.

The central committee of the Kuomintang (KMT) party in Taiwan conveyed its condolences and expressed hope that quake-hit residents can weather the difficulties and complete post-quake reconstruction as soon as possible, said Ma Xiaoguang, mainland spokesperson for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office.

Some Taiwan-funded companies have offered donations of money, food and relief materials, according to Ma.

The earthquake hit Jiuzhaigou county at 9:19 pm Tuesday at a depth of 20 kilometers, leaving at least 19 dead and 247 injured, including 40 in serious conditions, according to local authorities.