U.S. Government Presents Disaster Relief Assistance to Red Cross Society of China

Today, U.S. Ambassador to China Clark T. Randt, Jr., presented a check for $150,000 to the Red Cross Society of China to assist China's relief efforts for those provinces hardest hit by the recent winter storms.  The funds are from the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, the U.S. Agency for International Development.  Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte and Ambassador Randt visited Guizhou, one of the areas most affected by the severe weather, on January 17-18 for the U.S.-China Senior Dialogue. 

At the presentation ceremony, Ambassador Randt said, "When the people of the United States were afflicted by two natural disasters, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, China made a generous donation to assist those stricken by tragedy.  In times of need, friends reach out to help each other.  Accordingly, the United States Government is pleased to be able to offer assistance to China at this difficult time."

Accepting from the Red Cross Society of China was Secretary General Wang Haijing.

# # #