Liu Guijin, Chinese government's special representative for Darfur, is interviewed by journalists during a conference under the theme of "Darfur: Peace and Development" held in Beijing, capital of China, June 26, 2008. The conference, held by China Institute of International Studies, attracted over 50 experts on international affairs from both home and abroad.(Xinhua Photo)

China is paying active attention to the humanitarian situation in Darfur and participates in its reconstruction and development, Assistant Foreign Minister Zhai Jun said in Beijing on Thursday.

Zhai made the remarks at the opening ceremony of an international seminar on Darfur issues.

He said China has provided five shipments of relief materials worth 80 million yuan (about 11.65 million US dollars) to Darfur, including medical vehicles and equipment as well as tents, water pumps, generators and blankets.

Attendees are present at a conference under the theme of "Darfur: Peace and Development" held in Beijing, capital of China, June 26, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) 

Chinese companies that operate in Sudan had also offered assistance to Darfur, he said.

According to Zhai, since 2000, Chinese companies have built 20 small generators and dug 46 wells. They also donated equipment to many schools in Darfur, including mobile structures, distance education facilities, fully equipped computer classrooms and large quantities of computers.

He said that Chinese companies are helping the southern Darfur state to build a large water supply project and planning to dig another 10 wells as well as donating funds to establish professional training centers.

The June 26-27 seminar, with the theme "Darfur: Peace and Development", was organized by the China Institute of International Studies. It drew 55 domestic and foreign delegates.

(Xinhua News Agency June 27, 2008)