UN General Assembly President Ali Treki Wednesday voiced sadness after learning of the strong earthquake that struck western China early Wednesday morning local time, killing hundreds of people and injuring thousands more.

In a statement issued by his office, Treki "expresses solidarity with and sends his condolences and prayers to the people and Government of China on this tragedy."

About 400 people have died and 10,000 others were injured in the 7.1-magnitude earthquake that hit northwest China's Qinghai Province.

(Xinhua News Agency April 15, 2010)