China Thursday congratulated Chile on its successful rescue of 33 miners trapped underground for more than two months.

"We are pleased to see the success of the rescue mission," Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu told a regular briefing Thursday.

The miners' ordeal began on Aug. 5 when a huge rockfall blocked the mine exit.

"We congratulate the rescuers and wish all the miners a speedy recovery," Ma said.

Ma noted that China-made machinery and equipment was used in the rescue and that some Chinese companies even sent staff to Chile to help in the rescue operations.

"We are happy China played a part in the rescue," Ma said.

(Xinhua News Agency October 15, 2010)