MANILA, Philippines – China on Monday evening, October 24, announced that it has donated millions to the Philippines after Super Typhoon Lawin (Haima).

In a statement, the Chinese embassy said it donated P50 million to the Philippine government on Monday “for the disaster relief of farmers and fishermen in the affected regions.”

On top of this, China has committed around P35 million to Philippine anti-disaster efforts.

The Red Cross Society of China “will also provide humanitarian aid of $100,000 to the Philippines.”

Alongside this announcement, the Chinese embassy sent reporters a photo of Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua handing a piece of paper to Philippine President a piece of paper in Malacañang.

A related photo, also from the embassy, showed Duterte and Zhao shaking hands. 

“The Chinese side is confident that under the leadership of President Duterte, people in the stricken areas will overcome the calamity and return to their normal work and lives as soon as possible,” the Chinese embassy said in its statement at around 10 pm on Monday.

The embassy added that Chinese President Xi Jinping already expressed his sympathies and condolences to Duterte during their bilateral talks in Beijing on October 20.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also sent his sympathies to Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr.

China’s donation comes after Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said the Philippines is not seeking foreign donations for areas hit by Typhoon Karen (Sarika) and Super Typhoon Lawin (Haima) because it has enough funds.

Taguiwalo later clarified that the Philippines is still open to receiving foreign donations for disaster victims, as long as donors impose no conditions. – Rappler.com