Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, who arrived here Wednesday to attend the Special ASEAN Leaders' Meeting on Aftermath of Earthquake and Tsunami, urged Chinese rescue workers in the region to stay the course until the mission is successfully completed.

Speaking to rescue workers by phone shortly after his arrival, Wen said the earthquake-triggered tsunami was a catastrophe for all mankind and the relief efforts Chinese rescuers are providing embody the Chinese people's deep care for the people in the disaster-hit countries.

Rescue workers in Indonesia and elsewhere in the region have cast an image for China as a country that cares for all mankind and have earned honor for the Chinese people, Wen said.

Chinese doctors have joined the arduous task and will face many difficulties, Wen said.

He hoped the team, with the support of the Chinese government and its people, will fulfill their mission and return home successfully.

Wen wrote New Year's greeting cards for every team member, and a Chinese delegation to the region will later convey to them gifts brought by the premier.

The 35-member Chinese search and rescue team here began treating tsunami survivors and preventing disease as soon as it arrived last Friday in Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh that was devastated by the tsunamis.

So far, the team has treated some 3,000 people and has retrieved dozens of bodies of tsunami victims in the region.

In Thailand and Sri Lanka, another 41 Chinese doctors are providing medical treatment for more than 3,000 people.
 
(Xinhua News Agency January 6, 2005)