United Nations Radio

Chinese ambassador Wang Guangya said his country has welcomed the support of the international community, including the United Nations, following the deadly earthquake on Monday.

In an interview with UN Radio, Mr. Wang said his government and people appreciate the pledges of assistance by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and UN humanitarian coordinator, John Holmes, to help in the recovery effort.

But Mr. Wang explained infrastructural damage in the earthquake area would make it difficult to deliver humanitarian assistance at the present time.

"The main problem now is that the damage done to the landscape is so strong. The roads, the communications have all been damaged. So I think it would be difficult for foreign assistance to move into the area. And when the road and telecommunications are restored, I am sure that the Chinese government will try to restore contact with other countries, international organizations to see what sort of help we need from those organizations."

The death toll from the earthquake, which struck Sichuan province in south-western China on Monday afternoon, continues to rise. So far, nearly 20,000 people are reported to have died.

For UN Radio, I'm Dianne Penn.

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