The first batch of earthquake relief goods donated by the Italian government to southwest China's quake-hit Sichuan Province arrived at Shuangliu International Airport in Chengdu, the provincial capital, on Sunday.

The goods, mainly tents, were the first of three batches of aid from the Italian government. The second batch is expected to arrive in Chengdu late on Sunday.

An official with the Italian Embassy to China said the Italian government would provide a field hospital, first-aid materials, tents and other items requested by the Chinese government.

The Italian government had offered to China material assistance worth 500,000 euros (US$778,750) on Saturday.

Relief materials from Russia, Spain, Pakistan, Singapore and Philippines have already arrived in Sichuan.

(Xinhua News Agency May 18, 2008)