The White House issued a statement on Wednesday, extending "deepest condolences to the families of quake victims."

"The American people are saddened by the loss of life and the devastation caused by this disaster," it said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with those injured or displaced, and all the people of China in this difficult period. We stand ready to assist in any way possible," the statement said.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued statements on the same day, sending condolences to the families of quake victims.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement on behalf of the Canadian government and people on Wednesday, sending his deepest condolences to the families of the quake victims and expressing sympathy and concern for persons missing in the disaster.

He said that at this critical moment, Canada is prepared to provide assistance to the Chinese people.

Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon also issued a statement, saying the Canadian government is deeply concerned about the people affected by the earthquake and wishes speedy recovery for those injured.

The Mexican foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that it expresses "its deepest condolences to the relatives of the victims and its support and solidarity with the victims and the injured at this difficult moment."

Spain's Deputy Prime Minister Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega expressed sympathy and condolence with China through a phone call with China's Ambassador to Spain, Zhu Bangzao, on Wednesday. She stressed that the Spanish people will stand by the Chinese people in such a difficult time.

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake jostled Qinghai early Wednesday morning. The death toll has so far reached 589, with 10,000 others injured and some 100,000 displaced.

(Xinhua News Agency April 15, 2010)