UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced Monday his confidence that the Chinese people will successfully overcome the challenges brought by the recent deadly earthquake.

After paying condolences to the quake victims at the residence of China's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Ban spoke highly of the disaster relief efforts made by the Chinese government and people.

"I was very impressed and moved by your President Hu Jintao, Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and other senior leaders, and military people, civilian people, NGOs, who have rushed to the rescue scene," he said.

"I am quite confident that under the leadership of President Hu Jintao and other senior leaders of China, you can overcome this difficulty."

Ban also expressed hope that China will "successfully carry out the Olympic Games in August which will become the venue of harmony, cooperation and victory for all the world."

On the world body's support, he noted that the United Nations has already granted US$7 million in aid and dispatched expert rescuers to China.

The UN chief visited Monday morning the Chinese mission's residence, where he stood in silent tribute to the quake victims.

"China's loss is greater than many of the world can fathom," Ban wrote on the book of condolences. "The international community stands behind the great people of China in the face of this massive tragedy."

"Your strength, resilience and courage have profoundly impressed the world," he wrote. "The whole UN system and family stand behind you, China, at this time of challenge."

"Mourn the Chinese victims," Ban also wrote with Chinese characters.

The death toll in the 8.0-magnitude earthquake that hit the southwest province of Sichuan on May 12 had risen to 34,073 as of Monday noon, with another 245,108 people injured, according to the earthquake relief headquarters of the Chinese government.

(Xinhua News Agency May 20, 2008)