China’s top official in charge of Taiwan affairs has used a special hotline to offer assistance to Taiwan in the wake of the February 6 earthquake. The official, Taiwan Affairs Office Minister Zhang Zhijun, made the call on Monday morning to his counterpart in Taiwan – Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Andrew Hsia.
Hsia spoke later on Monday about his conversation with Zhang.
“He has conveyed the concerns of the Chinese leader, premier, and officials at different levels, following the Tainan earthquake. He also said that China is willing to help in any way possible, at any time," said Hsia, "On behalf of President Ma Ying-jeou, I have thanked Minister Zhang [for the offer] and for all the assistance that China has provided [since the earthquake].”
In a press release, Zhang also said that the Chinese people have expressed their care for the victims via donations.
The MAC says China has donated a total of NT$73 million (US$2.2 million) so far and that the money will be used for rebuilding after the earthquake.