The Chinese Foreign Ministry and Chinese embassies and delegations abroad have received donations of more than 1.7 billion yuan (251 million U.S. dollars) from outside China for the country's quake relief, according to a statement by the ministry.

The donations include 770 million yuan from foreign governments, international and regional organizations, 1.99 million yuan from foreign embassies and diplomats in China, 939 million yuan from foreign companies, non-governmental institutions and individuals as well as overseas Chinese and Chinese companies operating in foreign countries and regions.

The donations have been transferred to the special bank account that the government set up for quake relief or designated receivers, according to the ministry.

(Xinhua News Agency July 30, 2008)