China Sends Emergency Aid to Vanuatu Following Devastating Earthquake

In response to the recent 7.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Port Vila, Vanuatu on December 17, causing significant casualties and damage, China has stepped in with urgent humanitarian assistance to support recovery and relief efforts in the Pacific island nation.

On Wednesday evening, a shipment of emergency relief supplies departed from Shenzhen Baoan International Airport in southern China. The cargo included tents, folding beds, water purification equipment, solar lamps, emergency food, and medical materials. The flight is expected to arrive in Port Vila at 4:45 a.m. on Thursday, according to civil aviation authorities.

Emergency relief supplies with "China Aid" marks are transported onto a plane at Shenzhen Baoan International Airport in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, January 1, 2025. /Xinhua

Additionally, the Chinese government pledged $1 million (USD) in emergency assistance to bolster Vanuatu’s disaster response and reconstruction efforts, as announced by Li Ming, spokesperson for the China International Development Cooperation Agency.

Chinese Ambassador Li Minggang personally visited the families of Chinese nationals who lost their lives in the disaster, extending condolences and assurances of continued support during this challenging period.

At the request of the Vanuatu government, China has also deployed four engineering experts to aid in post-earthquake response efforts. This marks the first time China has sent an emergency post-disaster assessment team to a Pacific island country, underscoring its commitment to regional partnerships and humanitarian aid.

Spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that China’s swift response reflects its dedication to helping Vanuatu recover and rebuild.

As relief efforts continue, both nations remain united in addressing the immediate and long-term impacts of this devastating natural disaster.