China's top legislator extends condolences to Japan

BEIJING - China's top legislator Wu Bangguo on Sunday conveyed deep condolences to Japan's parliamentary leaders over Friday's devastating earthquake and tsunami.

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The message was delivered in phone conversations with Takahiro Yokomichi, speaker of the House of Representatives, and Takeo Nishioka, president of the House of Councillors.

Wu said that on behalf of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), he extended sincere sympathy with the Japanese people and deep condolences for the victims of the natural disaster.

China is ready to provide Japan with all possible assistance, and is confident that the Japanese people will overcome the difficulties and rebuild their homes, the chairman of the NPC Standing Committee added.

A massive earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale and an ensuing tsunami struck northeastern Japan on Friday afternoon and inflicted extensive devastation. Over 10,000 people were feared having been killed by the twin punches.