As a close neighbor, separated only by a strip of water, China has been deeply concerned by the loss of life and devastation caused by earthquake that hit Japan on March 11. On Monday, Premier Wen Jiabao again offered his deep condolences to the Japanese people and more help if needed.

Wen was among the first group of world leaders to send letters of condolence to his Japanese counterpart. China has shipped relief goods to Japan, and its rescue team started search and rescue operations on Monday morning in the city of Ofunato in Japan's northeastern Iwate Prefecture.

As a country that always cherishes its good neighborly its relationships and still remembers Japan's selfless assistance to China in the wake of the Wenchuan Earthquake in May 2008, China will provide support to help Japan out of its current hardship.