Press Release

Public Affairs Section
American Embassy, Beijing
Tel: 65321161  Fax: 65322951

May 22, 2008

U.S. Assistance to China in Time of Need

PACOM personnel present a souvenir to their Chinese counterparts during the May 18, 2008, donation ceremony at the Chengdu airport

U.S. Ambassador to China Clark T. Randt, Jr., announced today that this morning's delivery of additional rescue and medical equipment from the U.S. Agency for International Development to Chengdu brought total U.S. government assistance to China to $2.8 million.  This figure continues to increase as more aid is delivered.The Ambassador also said that the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is providing China with satellite imagery of reservoirs, roads and bridges damaged in the earthquake to assist the Chinese government with rescue and rebuilding efforts. 

A pallet of relief supplies from PACOM arrives at the Chengdu airport, May 18, 2008

In addition, the American Red Cross has provided $10 million in donations for disaster relief, with more expected.  American companies operating in China have collectively pledged funds in excess of $34 million.*

As President Bush wrote May 20 in the condolence book at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., "We stand ready to help in any way that the Chinese government would like. We know there's great courage being displayed as rescue workers search for those who may still be living. "

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