China expressed gratitude and welcome for the aid by the international community after Wednesday's earthquake in Qinghai Province, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu Thursday.

Dozens of countries and international organizations had sent condolences, and some offered assistance to the quake-stricken area, Jiang told a regular press conference.

The 7.1-magnitude quake struck the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yushu in southern Qinghai Province early Wednesday, leaving 617 dead, 9,110 injured and hundreds missing.

The United States, Canada, and Mexico issued statements of condolences. Other countries and the United Nations also sent messages of condolence and support.

(Xinhua News Agency April 15, 2010)