China

18 May 2008 -- China has today announced three days of mourning and that the Olympic Torch Relay will pause during this time. Commenting on this announcement, the IOC said:

"These are tragic and testing times for China and the Chinese people. The way the country has come together in solidarity, and the courage shown by those affected and those involved in the rescue efforts can only be admired. The IOC fully supports the decision to pause the Torch Relay while the country mourns. Our thoughts and prayers are with China."

Source: IOC

May 19, 2008 -- The Department of Defense purchased relief supplies from FEMA to aid earthquake victims in China. Supplies included food, blankets, water containers, generators, lanterns, tarps and tents.

Less than 24 hours after receiving the request from the United States Pacific Command, FEMA had delivered 17 pallets of relief supplies from its Pacific Distribution Center to the 15th Airlift Wing at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii for transport to aid earthquake victims in China.

The supplies were loaded onto an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III cargo plane on Saturday and flown nonstop to Shuangliu International Airport in Chengdu, China. DOD also stocked a second air cargo jet in Alaska with FEMA supplies for delivery to China.

Source: FEMA

5/18/2008 - CHENGDU SHUANGLIU INT'L AIRPORT, People's Republic of China (AFPN) -- Two Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs landed here May 18 carrying nearly 200,000 pounds of relief supplies in the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck the region on May 12.

Earthquake relief supplies from the United States are unloaded May 18 at the Shuangliu International Airport in Chengdu, China: U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Chris

The C-17s were assigned to the 15th Airlift Wing at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, and the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Before 2005, C-17s were stationed exclusively in the continental U.S. C-17 squadrons are now operational at Hickam and Elmendorf AFBs.    » read more »

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2008 – World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick said the institution was ready to help the victims of China’s earthquake as he expressed his condolences following the disaster that hit the central province of Sichuan on May 12, killing about 15,000 people.

“The World Bank stands ready to support the Chinese Government in any way it may find useful in the recovery and reconstruction process,” Mr. Zoellick wrote in a May 12 letter to Chinese Premier Mr. Wen Jiabao. “Our thoughts are with the Chinese people at this tragic and sorrowful time,” he wrote.

Mr. Zoellick said the Bank Group would draw on its considerable expertise in catastrophe management and reconstruction.    » read more »

15 May 2008 -- Chinese workers are still trying to reach three mountainous towns in southwestern Sichuan province that were cut off by a huge earthquake that struck the region Monday. Chinese authorities worry that the official death toll of nearly 15,000 could skyrocket unless needed help arrives soon.

Soldiers in Sichuan are pressing more military and civilian helicopters into service, to airlift necessities and help with relief work.

State TV has shown daily reports of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on the scene, talking to survivors, encouraging emergency workers and overseeing relief work.

According to official media, landslides are still blocking efforts to reach 20 thousand residents in three towns near the epicenter of the quake, in Wenchuan County.    » read more »

14 May 2008 -- Tens of thousands of Chinese troops are fanning out across China's Sichuan province in response to a massive earthquake that killed nearly 15,000 people. The military began airlifting quake victims Wednesday from Sichuan's Wenchuan county, the epicenter of Monday's 7.9 magnitude earthquake.

Earthquake victim, China: Photo by Jane Liu (CC)

The injured are being taken to the largest hospital in Sichuan's capital, Chengdu.

Military planes and helicopters also air-dropped more than 12 tons of food and medicine to the affected areas Wednesday.    » read more »

Strengthens Consumer Notifications; Requires Warning Labels for Toys Containing Lead, Magnets and Liquids

May 13, 2008 -- New York Governor Paterson today announced the submission of legislation to keep dangerous toys and other products out of children’s hands.

Galison/Mudpuppy Wire Bound Journals and Calendars Recalled Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

The “Children’s Product Safety and Recall Effectiveness Act of 2008” will protect New York children from unsafe toys and durable juvenile products (such as cribs, car seats, high chairs, playpens or other similar items) that may be available to consumers even after they have been recalled.    » read more »

Chicago, IL - May 12, 2008 -- "Michelle and I are deeply saddened by the tremendous loss of life caused by the earthquake in central China. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families, particularly those who have suffered the terrible loss of a child.

USGS shakemap China earthquake

"I am confident that the Chinese people will respond with characteristic determination in providing relief to those who are suffering, and in helping the affected areas get back on their feet. I urge the American people and the international community to do all that we can to help China respond to this catastrophe."

Source: Barack Obama campaign

5/12/2008 -- "Like all Americans, my thoughts and prayers are with the people of China, as they grapple with the devastation caused by the terrible earthquake which struck Sichuan province earlier today.

"I extend my condolences to those who have lost loved ones and am especially grieved by the number of children who have been affected. I welcome President Bush’s offer of assistance, and join with him and all Americans in our readiness to help in any way at this time of need."

Source: Hillary Clinton campaign

11 May 2008 -- Chinese state media says Beijing has established a company to manufacture passenger jumbo jets.

The Xinhua news agency says the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China was established in Shanghai Sunday.

Xinhua said the company will be responsible for researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing large passenger aircraft.

The news agency said the central government and China's two largest aircraft manufacturing and servicing companies are among the major shareholders.

The company was launched with capital of $2.7 billion.

Source: VOA News

13 May 2008 -- Thousands of Chinese troops and medical teams have been dispatched to areas of Sichuan province, where the country's worst earthquake in decades struck Monday.

Authorities say the quake killed at least 10,000 people in western China and that thousands are still buried under collapsed buildings.

Shanghai workers evacuate office buildings during earthquake: Photo by ying (CC)

The state-run Xinhua news agency says an official near the quake's epicenter in Wenchuan county managed to appeal for help using a satellite telephone, nearly 11 hours after the quake cut communications.    » read more »

May 12, 2008 -- OLYMPIA – Washington Governor Christine Gregoire is urging Washingtonians to open their hearts and wallets to help in the aftermath of an earthquake Monday that killed and injured thousands of people in the Chinese province of Sichuan.

“Time and time again, Washingtonians have responded to those in need, whether they live in Lewis County or another country,” Gregoire said. “I urge folks to consider whether they are able to give and to do so with an international relief agency they trust so that their contributions bring the greatest value to those who are truly hurting.”    » read more »

May 12, 2008 -- "On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want to offer my deepest sympathies to those who may have lost family or loved ones in the devastating earthquake that hit Sichuan Province earlier today.

"This terrible tragedy strikes close to home for many in our city, where some 450,000 people trace their origins to China. To them, and to the people of China, we express the hope that you can soon 'change your tears into strength' - Hua Bei Fen Wei Li Liang."

Source: NYC Mayor

India, ASEAN Also Need to Push Generals to Accept International Help

New York, May 10, 2008 – China, India, Thailand and other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should work to convince Burma’s government to lift restrictions on international assistance so aid can reach survivors of Cyclone Nargis, Human Rights Watch said today.

Residents work with cleanup in aftermath of Cyclone Nargis: Photo by Mohd Nor Azmil Abdul Rahman (CC)    » read more »

May 9, 2008 -- Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Joseph Biden (D-DE), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and John Kerry (D-MA) sent a letter to President Bush today calling for the administration to take specific actions to help resolve the crisis in Tibet, including making a presidential visit to Tibet during the Olympics, establishing a consulate in Lhasa and calling for expanded access to the region for international humanitarian officials and journalists.

The full text of the letter follows:

May 9, 2008

The President

The White House

Washington, DC

Dear President Bush:    » read more »