A batch of emergency relief supplies donated by the Chinese government arrived in Vanuatu's capital Port Vila on Thursday to aid in earthquake relief efforts in the Pacific island nation following last month's deadly disaster.
Totaling 35 tons, the supplies include tents, folding beds, solar lights, food, water purifiers and medical supplies.
A handover ceremony was held at the Port Vila International Airport soon after the arrival of the special aid flight on Thursday morning, which departed from the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen the previous day.
A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck nearby Port Vila on Dec 17, killing at least 14 and injuring more than 200 people. Two Chinese nationals also lost their lives. The disaster caused widespread damage to buildings and triggered landslides, with tens of thousands of locals being affected.
Following the quake, the Chinese government has provided one million U.S. dollars in emergency assistance and sent four engineering experts to Vanuatu to support its disaster response and reconstruction efforts.
China sends emergency relief supplies to quake-hit Vanuatu
China sends emergency relief supplies to quake-hit Vanuatu
A direct flight route connecting Xi'an City in northwest China's Shaanxi Province with Malaysia's Penang was launched on Monday, marking a new chapter in cultural exchanges between the two nations.
A group of 10 university students from Xi'an International Studies University and Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts were warmly welcomed upon arrival by the Chinese Consulate General in Penang and the Penang State government officials.
Upon landing at the Penang International Airport, the flight was greeted with the traditional "water salute", followed by a warm reception at the arrival hall.
Penang State Executive Councilor for Tourism and Creative Economy Yeoh Soon Hin, and Ding Qiao, deputy consul general of China in Penang, posed for photos with the students.
As 2025 approached, the students joined tens of thousands of locals in a countdown celebration, with fireworks lighting up the night sky, heralding a year of hope and aspirations.
"We will be undertaking a one-month internship as assistant councilors in Penang State. As young Chinese people in the new era, we aim to use this opportunity to broaden our global perspectives, better tell China's stories, convey China's voice, and contribute to the enduring friendship between China and Malaysia," said Liu Hao, a graduate student at the School of Advanced Translation and Interpretation, Xi'an International Studies University.
The students, dressed in matching activewear, also participated in a New Year's Day city walk in George Town alongside local residents.
In the evening, they attended the Penang temple fair's lantern lighting ceremony and strolled through the beautifully decorated streets. The group also took photos with Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, and Zhou Youbin, Chinese Consul-General in Penang.
Penang State and Shaanxi Province enjoy a strong friendship, exemplified by collaborative projects such as the Penang State Assistant Councilor Internship Program, the Silk Road (China-ASEAN) Model United Nations Conference, and the creation of mural paintings in the typical style of farmers in Shaanxi.
As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the partnership between the two countries is set to deepen, offering broader opportunities for China-Malaysia cooperation.
Xi'an-Penang direct flight inaugurated, students from both countries celebrate New Year together
