Chinese President Arrives in Quake-hit Sichuan
Chinese President Hu Jintao flew to quake-hit southwestern Sichuan Province this morning (May 16) to console victims and inspect rescue and relief work. Hu will also visit the troops and medical workers who are engaged in around-the-clock relief efforts.

During the flight, Hu opened a map, and carefully assessed the quake damage and the progress of relief work with others aboard the plane. He recognized the rescue and relief efforts these days.

"After several days of endeavor, the relief work has been comprehensively launched and is proceeding in an "forceful, orderly and effective" way."

Hu Jintao also emphasized the work focus for the rescue in the upcoming days.

"Although 72 hours have passed, the golden time of saving the quake-hit victims, saving the lives is our top priority."

He also said, "we need to make greater efforts in treating the injured, restoring the transportation, telecommunications and power supply infrastructure in quake-stricken areas and ensure basic living conditions for local residents."

Foreign Rescuers Battle for Lives in Quake-hit Area
Rescue teams from the international community are arriving at the disaster-hit areas to support the relief work. The first group of 31 Japanese rescue members arrived in Qichun county at 9:45 this morning. Other rescue teams from Korea, Singapore and Russia also arrived in the disaster-hit areas to provide the aid.

Guangdong Charity Show Scheduled for Tomorrow  
A large-scale charity show will be staged from 4 to 11 p.m. tomorrow night (May 17) on Guangdong TV to collect donations to aid disaster-hit regions. 100 hotlines will be opened to receive donations. Radio Guangdong, Guangdong TV and TVS will have live broadcasts of the show.