Mainland concerned about Taiwan compatriots after earthquake

The Chinese mainland is highly concerned about Taiwan compatriots after the earthquake in Hualien County, An Fengshan, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said Monday.

"Mainland organizations such as the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), the Red Cross Society of China, the Seismological Society of China, as well as the governments of Beijing, Fujian and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, have expressed their sympathy to those afflicted by the earthquake and sent condolences to those that lost their lives," An said.

An Fengshan, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, speaks at a press conference, December 27, 2017.

Authorities and enterprises on the mainland have donated over 20 million yuan (3.31 million US dollars) worth of money and goods to Taiwan, he added.

The earthquake has claimed the lives of nine mainland tourists, with six mainland tourists injured. Authorities including the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and ARATS opened a fast-track for families of the victims to go to Taiwan and supported them to cope with the aftermath, An said.

An also expressed gratitude to relevant parties in Taiwan, including Hualien County and rescue staff, for their full support in the rescue, and for their care and assistance to the injured mainland tourists and families of the deceased.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)