China welcomes offers of quake aid

BEIJING (Reuters) - China welcomed offers of international aid on Tuesday after an earthquake killed nearly 12,000 people, and said it was moved by the show of support.

But the Foreign Ministry did not say clearly whether China, whose role in recent years has shifted from aid recipient to aid donor as its economy soars, would accept the offers.

"We express our welcome and gratitude. Relevant departments of China and relief departments welcome the aid of international society and are also willing to maintain communication with relevant countries and organisations," ministry spokesman Qin Gang told a news conference.

The United States, Britain, the European Union, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have offered assistance.

Condolences poured in from around the world.

"I extend my condolences to those injured and to the families of the victims of today's earthquake in China's Sichuan province," U.S. President George W. Bush said in a statement.

"I am particularly saddened by the number of students and children affected by this tragedy. The thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the Chinese people, especially those directly affected. The United States stands ready to help in any way possible."

The United Nations was ready to support China in its efforts to respond to the disaster, a spokesman for U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said.

Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura said Japan would provide assistance to China if Beijing made a request.