Chinese netizens have expressed readiness to give timely assist and support to their Pakistani "brothers" after a powerful earthquake killed more than 200 people in the country's southwestern areas.

In messages posted on leading Chinese websites, numerous netizens have also mourned the victims in the 5.9-Richter-scale earthquake hitting Pakistan's Balochistan Province on Wednesday.

"We will never forget the brotherly assistance by the Pakistani government and people. I am eager to express condolences to the Pakistani people in the quake-hit areas and do what I can," said a netizen dubbed "soswjh" in a post on Xinhuanet.com.

Many others recalled the traditional friendship between the two nations, and especially the selfless aid from Pakistan after a disastrous earthquake hit southwest China's Sichuan Province on May 12.

Following the deadly quake, the Pakistani government immediately delivered more than 10 tons of disaster-relief materials to the quake-hit areas, and donated more than 20,000 tents to the victims. The move touched a large number of Chinese people.

"China and Pakistan are truly good neighbors, friends and partners, and enjoy all-weather friendship and all-round cooperation. In the Wenchuan earthquake, the Pakistani people gave us selfless support and assistance. If Pakistan needs us this time, we will lend the same warm and helpful hands to them," said netizens "Spring warms people's hearts" in a message posted on Xinhuanet.com.

Some netizens enquired about how they can donate to the affected Pakistani people, saying it's time for Chinese people to reciprocate their neighbor's kindness.

"From the government to ordinary people, the two countries have deep affection for each other. The friendship between the two countries is sincere and ever-lasting," said one of the netizens.

(Xinhua News Agency October 30, 2008)