China's non-governmental donations to South and Southeast Asia's tsunami-hit countries have reached 497.94 million yuan (approximately US$59.99), approximately 20 million dollars of which has been delivered, according to China's Ministry of Civil Affairs.

In addition, China has sent 10.77 million yuan (approximately US$1.3 million) worth of non-governmental material aid to those countries. China's flagship air carrier Air China transported the materials at its own expense, with the normal freight fee valued at 4.5 million yuan (approximately US$542,169), the ministry said.

"The remaining part of the donations will mainly be used for the reconstruction of public welfare facilities, including schools, hospitals and welfare centers, in the worst hit areas," a ministry official said.

The official said the specific arrangement is being worked out between China's Red Cross Society of China and the China Charity Foundation, which are the principal donation collectors, and the countries receiving the aid.
 
(Xinhua News Agency February 7, 2005)