China on Thursday expressed its sympathy to Indonesia over the massive earthquake that has killed more than 40 people.

"We express our sympathy and condolences for the massive earthquake which has caused great casualties and property losses," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu at a regular press conference.

"We believe that the quake-affected people, under the leadership of the Indonesian government, will soon start reconstruction of their homeland," Jiang said.

Jiang said there is no report of casualties of Chinese nationals.

"The Chinese Embassy in Indonesia has launched an emergency mechanism and will keep a close eye on the situation," said Jiang.

The earthquake measured about 7.3 on the Richter scale when it hit the Tasikmalaya district of West Java about 2:55 p.m. local time Wednesday, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

(Xinhua News Agency September 3, 2009)