China’s Xi Jinping offers condolences to US after weekend tornadoes leave scores dead

Beijing aid agency says it is willing to provide emergency humanitarian assistance as needed to affected Americans

This is not the first time Chinese aid has been offered to Washington after disasters, but it is unknown if it has ever been accepted

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The Chinese government has expressed its condolences to the US and offered emergency aid in the wake of the devastating tornadoes. Photo: Reuters

Published: 6:00pm, 14 Dec 2021Updated: 8:07pm, 14 Dec 2021

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolence to US President Joe Biden after deadly tornadoes hit the US South and Midwest on the weekend.

In the message sent on Tuesday, Xi offered sympathies to the American people affected, on behalf of the Chinese government and people.

The swept through Kentucky, Arkansas, Illinois, Mississippi, Tennessee and Missouri, with the death toll nearing 100.

The Chinese government also offered humanitarian aid to the United States.

No details were included in the aid announcement by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) on Monday, which said help would be offered according to the needs of the US.

“China has noted the severe tornadoes that hit several states in the US, causing heavy casualties and property losses,” CIDCA spokesman Xu Wei said. “We express deep sympathy and are willing to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to the affected people as needed by the US side.”

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