On February 9, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning presided over a regular press conference.

　　A reporter asked: According to reports, tens of thousands of people were killed in the strong earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

Can you tell us about the latest situation of China's participation in the rescue?

Is there any new information on the casualties of Chinese citizens?

How to ensure the safety of local Chinese citizens?

　　Mao Ning: In the past two days, we have repeatedly introduced the situation of China's assistance to Turkey and Syria.

It is understood that after the Chinese rescue team arrived in Turkey, it immediately rushed to Antakya City, Hatay Province, which was severely affected by the disaster, and cooperated with the Turkish rescue team to successfully rescue a person in the early morning of February 9, local time. Trapped pregnant woman.

　　Last night, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government also dispatched a search and rescue team of about 59 people to the earthquake-stricken area in Turkey to assist in the search and rescue work.

This morning, the first batch of medical supplies for 5,000 people provided by the Red Cross Society of China to the earthquake-stricken areas in Syria has been shipped from Beijing, and the Red Cross Society of China rescuers also went there together.

　　In addition to the announced cash and material assistance, China is also speeding up the implementation of food aid projects to Syria, of which 220 tons of wheat are on their way, and the remaining 3,000 tons of rice and wheat will be shipped in two batches in the near future.

　　After the earthquake, the safety of overseas compatriots always affects our hearts.

The Consular Protection Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately activated the emergency response mechanism.

The Chinese embassies in Turkey and Syria quickly checked the situation with the local governments, maintained close contact with local overseas Chinese groups, Chinese-funded institutions and overseas students, and provided timely assistance to compatriots who encountered difficulties.

The global emergency hotline for consular protection and services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs operates at high speed 24 hours a day, making every effort to answer calls from Chinese citizens seeking help.

　　So far, through the joint efforts of all parties, three Chinese citizens have been rescued and are in good condition.

No other reports of casualties of Chinese citizens have been received.

We will continue to closely follow the earthquake disaster and actively provide consular protection and assistance to Chinese citizens and institutions there.

　　In the next step, the Chinese government is willing to continue to provide relief, resettlement and reconstruction assistance to the disaster-stricken areas in Turkey and Syria according to the development of the disaster situation and actual needs.

(Produced by Sui Zhiyuan)

Responsible editor: [Luo Pan]