In the wake of a devastating 7.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar last Friday, China has called on all parties in the Southeast Asian nation to prioritize the safety of international relief workers and ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian supplies. The death toll has climbed to 2,886, with over 4,600 injured and hundreds still missing, according to Myanmar’s State Administration Council.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized the urgency of protecting rescue operations during a press briefing on Wednesday. \"The top priority is saving lives,\" Guo stated, confirming that emergency supplies from the Red Cross Society of China have reached Myanmar and are en route to Mandalay, the hardest-hit region.
China has already delivered 1.5 million yuan ($206,700) in cash assistance through its embassy in Myanmar to support local relief efforts. Guo reiterated Beijing’s commitment to providing \"assistance and support to the best of its ability,\" urging cooperation among Myanmar’s factions to maintain critical rescue channels.
The appeal highlights cross-border solidarity in disaster response, with China leveraging its regional influence to facilitate aid delivery. As recovery efforts intensify, international observers are closely monitoring the stability of supply routes and the safety of relief teams.
