(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-05-21 17:03

TOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda visited the Chinese embassy here Wednesday to mourn the victims of the May 12 devastating earthquake in China's southwestern province of Sichuan and extend condolences to those affected.

"As the earthquake has inflicted enormous human casualties, the Japanese side expresses heartfelt condolences and deep sorrow to the Chinese people," Fukuda told Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai.

"We are ready to offer assistance of any sort as long as China feels the need and makes the request," said Fukuda.

"When either side in need, Japan and China should assist each other," said the prime minister, adding that the two countries are supposed to conduct cooperation and coordination in this spirit.

Fukuda also asked Cui to convey his regards to Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Cui said that the Japanese government and people have offered their sympathy and support for the disaster-affected people, and China is most thankful for all these favors.

The outstanding performance of the Japanese relief team in its rescue operations in the quake-stricken areas has earned vast applause among the Chinese people, Cui added.

Noting that Japan's medical team has already begun its operation in China, Cui said that the mutual assistance in need is an emblem of the strategic and mutually beneficial relations between the two nations.

An 8.0-magnitude earthquake jolted southwest China's Sichuan Province on May 12, and the death toll in the quake rose to 41,353 as of 12:00 p.m. Wednesday (0400 GMT), according to the Information Office of China's State Council.