On March 14, 2011, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with Japanese Ambassador to China Niwa Uichiro.

Yang first briefed on the message of condolences President Hu Jintao sent to Japanese Emperor Akihito over the massive earthquake that hit northeast Japan.

Yang said the Chinese government and leaders are paying close attention to the earthquake disaster in Japan and have conveyed their condolences to the Japanese leaders. The Chinese rescue team has started search and rescue operations in Japan's northeastern Iwate Prefecture, and China's relief materials will also arrive in Japan on March 14, said Yang. Chinese people from all walks of life have expressed their condolences to the Japanese people in various forms and are lending them a helping hand, he said. China is ready to offer continued support for Japan's disaster relief work.

China is willing to enhance cooperation with Japan on quake relief work and post-disaster reconstruction, Yang said, noting China believes that Japan would, as always, provide assistance to the affected Chinese nationals in Japan.

Niwa Uichiro said the Japanese government and people sincerely thank the Chinese government and people for the condolence and relief assistance, including sending a rescue team and providing relief materials. With support from countries around the world, including China, Japan would certainly overcome the difficulties and rebuild the homeland, he said.