China expresses welcome and gratitude for the earthquake relief aid from the international society, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said Tuesday at a regular press conference.

Many countries and international organizations have shown their solace promptly in various forms soon after the Wenchuan earthquake, and expressed their willingness to offer assistance to the Chinese government and people, Qin told the press.

Chinese relevant parties have opened special channels for receiving foreign aid. China welcomes aid from international society and is willing to keep contacts with foreign nations and organizations, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 14, 2008)