The Islamic Association of China (IAC) held a reception in Beijing on Thursday to celebrate 'Id al-Qurban, or Festival of the Sacrifice, a major Islamic festival held at the end of the hajj, or annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu and Abdul'ahat Abdulrixit, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, attended the reception.

Diplomatic envoys to China from 13 Arabic and Islamic countries, Muslim foreign experts, scholars and leaders of the IAC were also invited.

On behalf of all Chinese Muslims, Chen Guangyuan, president of the IAC, sent good wishes to Muslims both at home and abroad, especially those from the countries ravaged by the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

"The Chinese Muslims are deeply concerned about the situation of the Muslims in those countries ravaged by the tsunamis and will pray for them," he said.

He also said more than 5,100 Muslims sent by IAC are participating in the hajj this year.

The three-day festival is celebrated by some 10 ethnic minority groups in China, including the Hui and Uygur. China has a Muslim population of more than 20 million.

(Xinhua News Agency January 21, 2005)