On the afternoon of March 11, 2011, an 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck the northeastern region of Japan and triggered a massive tsunami, causing huge casualties.

Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council sent a letter of condolence to Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, in which Premier Wen expressed deep condolence to the Japanese government and people on behalf of the Chinese government and the willingness of providing Japan with necessary assistance.

On the same day, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi sent a letter of condolence to Japanese Foreign Minister Takeaki Matsumoto.