(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-05-23 10:00

Beijing - China's commerce minister has thanked foreign companies for donating earthquake aid, rejecting criticism on Chinese websites that they are failing to do enough.

Chen Deming says China has gotten "strong support" from foreign companies and international agencies following the May 12 quake, which killed tens of thousands of people.

Chen said at a news conference Thursday that foreign companies have given 1.95 billion yuan, or about US$280 million, in cash and supplies.

He rejected some comments posted on Chinese websites that called foreign companies "international misers" and accused them of failing to give quake aid.