China President Xi Jinping extends condolences to Duterte on typhoon deaths, vows assistance

September 18, 2018

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday extended condolences to his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte over a strong that hit the Philippines last weekend, killing at least 74 people.

In his message to Duterte, Xi said the typhoon has caused severe casualties and loss of properties in the Philippines, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said.

"On behalf of the Chinese government and people, and in his own name, Xi mourned the victims and expressed sympathy to those injured, the bereaved families and the people in the affected area," the embassy said.

"Xi said China and the Philippines are friendly neighbors, and the Chinese people shared the sadness of the Philippine people over their sufferings, and are willing to help as much as possible," the statement added.

Xi added that he believed that under the leadership of Duterte and the Philippine government, the Philippine people will quickly overcome the disaster and rebuild their homeland, the statement said. DMS