Chinese ambassador first to offer aid

Wu Chuntai, the Chinese ambassador to Nepal, was the first foreign diplomat to walk into the Nepali central government after Saturday's earthquake. Only one hour had passed, and the building was nearly empty and in darkness.

"When I told Deputy Prime Minister Bamdev Gautam that the Chinese government is willing to provide assistance for Nepal, he soon issued a diplomatic note allowing chartered flights carrying Chinese rescue personnel and relief goods into Nepal," Wu said.

Now, five days after the earthquake, hundreds of Chinese rescuers organized by the government, the Chinese army and NGOs are working in Nepal.

"A senior Nepal politician told me that the Chinese rescue team is outstanding among all international rescue teams because they performed professionally and efficiently. More important, they handle everything, like their accommodation and food needs, all by themselves. Speaking of our rescue team, Nepali thumbs up!" Wu said.

The ambassador's words were echoed many times during the last two days, when I was following various Chinese rescue teams on their missions.

With professional uniforms, rescue dogs, advanced equipment and bravery - rescuers climbed into the interior of a fallen building, for example - Chinese rescuers are offering important assistance in the ancient capital city after the quake.

Hundreds of local residents watch the Chinese rescue team as it works. If assistance is needed, even on a rainy afternoon, Nepali men stand up immediately and follow the rescue team's instructions carefully. Women brought hot drinks to keep the rescue team warm.

"I am a journalist, not a rescuer," I told the woman who passed me a cup of tea.

"But you are a Chinese," she said to me with a smile.

The good relationship between the two countries also helped facilitate the evacuation of a wounded Chinese worker. A Nepali military helicopter carried the worker from the Tatopani checkpoint at the China-Nepal border area back to Kathmandu on Wednesday.

zhaoyanrong@chinadaily.com.cn