China offers sympathies to Philippine flood victims

MANILA, Philippines—China on Wednesday offered sympathies to the Filipino families affected by heavy rains.

“I am saddened by the big losses that the torrential rains have brought about. The Chinese people are also fighting against the heavy rains and inundation which devastate many parts of China, so my hearts and thoughts are with the homeless and victims,” Zhang Hua, Chinese embassy spokesperson, said in an email to reporters.

“I wish you and your family safe, and hope that normal life can be restored soon,” Zhang said.
China’s Zheijiang province was also hit by Typhoon Haikui early Wednesday and 1.8 million people were evacuated ahead of the storm from parts of Shanghai and Zheijiang, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

The statement served as a break from the heated exchanges between China and the Philippines over the West Philippine Sea dispute.

Tensions between China and the Philippines had been rising in the last months because of conflicting claims over Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.