The answer to above puzzle can be easily found in words of an official from the Indonesian foreign ministry: “The Chinese premier is the only foreign leader who sends his special plane to deliver disaster-relief materials.” In brief, it is the “sincerity” of Chinese people that has deeply touched the hearts of people in the disaster-stricken countries.

　　The Chinese government and the Chinese people share the same feeling with the people in the disaster-stricken areas when an earthquake and tsunami in the Indian Ocean caused great disaster to Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka. With deep love and profound friendship, they have set an example for being a responsible and powerful country, and displayed a nation with great love and care. The Chinese government has kicked off a large-scale foreign aid program, the largest one so far. In addition to the first batch of 21.63 million yuan donation, it has promised to make an additional donation of 500 million yuan. Batches of disaster-relief materials have already been delivered to the disaster-stricken countries and have been distributed to the local people. The Chinese people have contributed money to disaster-stricken countries voluntarily. In only half a month, the money donated by the people in the mainland of China exceeded 150 million yuan. China International Search and Rescue Team (CISAR), China Expert Team of DNA Test and China National Medical Rescue Team rushed to the most seriously hit disaster areas immediately. They have been working at the most dangerous and arduous areas where rescue and first-aid are badly needed with excellent performance.

　　A friend in need is a friend indeed. China is such a sincere friend who is willing to offer a helping hand. China has been such a friend before, remains so and will be so. Former Premier Zhou Enlai clearly stated China’s foreign aid polices during his visits to 14 Asian and African countries in 1963: On the bases of equal treatment, strictly respect the sovereignty of the recipient countries, and provide aids with no additional conditions and asking for no special rights; the objective for providing aid is to help disaster-stricken countries embark on the road of self-reliance and independent development instead of making them rely on China. Since kicking off the reform and opening-up policy, China has been continuing to provide aids to the needed under the principle of equality and mutual benefit. At the beginning of the new century, China has fulfilled its promise ahead of time by reducing or writing off the 10.5 billion yuan debt of 31 African countries.

　　In face of the century disaster, helps provided by the Chinese Government and people are demonstrations of their true feeling and real expression of their friendships. The sincerity and friendship can melt all kinds of estrangement and go beyond the measurement of time and space, which will eventually help the people in the disaster-stricken areas to plug up their courage to overcome the difficulties and re-build their hometown as quick as possible. .

　　By Li Donghang

　　(Jan.17, PLA Daily)