The Chinese Embassy in Japan held a reception Tuesday to express appreciation and thanks to the Japanese people for their precious assistance and support for China's quake relief and rescue operations.

The May 12 earthquake has been the most devastating and widest-affecting natural disaster since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, said Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai at the reception.

The Chinese people will never forget the assistance and support offered by the Japanese government, friends of various circles and Chinese expatriates in Japan after the massive disaster occurred, said Cui.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, the Chinese ambassador extended great respect and sincere thanks to Japanese friends who lent a hand with China's relief efforts in quake-hit areas.

Yohei Kono, speaker of Japan's House of Representatives, said that as a country frequently hit by disasters, Japan is well aware of the importance of as well as the difficulties in the post-disaster reconstruction.

Japan is willing to offer assistance and help as its capacity allows to China's quake-battered areas, he said.

Kono also wished the upcoming Beijing Olympics an enormous success.

Present at the reception were some 700 personages from various walks of life in Japan, including Satsuki Eda president of Japan's House of Councilors, Toshihiro Nikai, chairman of the General Council of ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

(Xinhua News Agency July 30, 2008)