A senior Chinese diplomat said on Monday that the search and rescue for MH730 remains the most urgent and important work at present.

Guo Shuchun, head of a joint working group composed by 13 members from several Chinese departments made the remarks at a news conference before departing for Malaysia on Wednesday morning.

"We will urge the rescue groups from Malaysia and other countries to continue efforts in searching for the 777 flight, together with the Chinese vessels and aircraft. We will never give up any hope," said Guo, deputy director-general of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Foreign Ministry.

Guo said the Chinese side will also coordinate with related parties to conduct an investigation into the incident and reveal the facts as soon as possible.

"New information will be released to the public as soon as possible," Guo said, adding that some relatives of the 777 flight passengers will leave for Malaysia under the arrangement of Malaysian Airlines.

The joint working group, composed by staff from the Foreign Ministry, Public Security Ministry,Transport Ministry and Civil Aviation Administration will arrive Malaysia in the evening at local time and work with the Chinese embassy in Kuala Lumpur.