U.S. oil giant Chevron announced Friday that it will contribute 1.4 million dollars towards relief efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake that struck China's Sichuan province on May 12.

The funds will be directed to the Sichuan Province Red Cross, an affiliate of the Red Cross Society of China, according to California-based company. Chevron has an interest in the Chuandongbei gas project, which is located in the province.

"The need for humanitarian assistance is vast and immediate," said Chevron Vice Chairman Peter Robertson in a press release. " Our contribution to the Red Cross will support its critical efforts to assist those affected by this devastating earthquake."

"We are concerned for the well-being of those in the local communities," said Jim Blackwell, president of Chevron Asia Pacific Exploration and Production. "Chevron's contribution is intended to help the many in the region who have been displaced by the tragedy."

(Xinhua News Agency May 17, 2008)