China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Japan on Asian affairs, including disaster prevention, said a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman in Beijing on Saturday.

"China is willing to enhance coordination and cooperation with Japan on Asian affairs, including disaster prevention, to benefit the two peoples and people of all Asian countries," said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu.

Jiang said it is in line with consensus reached by leaders of both countries to make concerted efforts for the development of the Asia-Pacific region.

She said China conveys heart-felt gratitude for the assistance and condolence extended by the Japanese government and people after the May 12 Wenchuan earthquake.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao also conveyed their condolences to Japan on Saturday after the earthquake that jolted wide areas in northeastern Japan on Saturday morning, said Jiang.

The death toll in the magnitude-7.2 earthquake whose epicenter was about eight kilometers underground in southern Iwate Prefecture has risen to six as of Saturday evening, according to official statistics.

On the East China Sea issue, Jiang said the two sides are holding consultations on details of the issue and have decided to speed up relevant work.

(Xinhua News Agency June 15, 2008)