Chinese experts join Lebanon effort

China has tasked a team of medical experts in Lebanon to join in the rescue operations in Beirut, following the city's massive explosions on Tuesday.

Following the blasts, the 18th Chinese peacekeeping medical team to Lebanon received a notice from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon Command that it would deploy its medical force to provide medical aid to Beirut.

After receiving the notice, the team transferred nine medical staff from the fields of surgery, internal medicine, burns, anesthesiology and other fields to form a "Beirut explosion" emergency medical team. The personnel and vehicles are well prepared and will head to Beirut, carrying medical supplies and protective equipment, said the medical unit.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Thursday that China will continue to provide Lebanon with assistance within its capacity to tide over the difficulties in accordance with Lebanon's needs.

Wang also mentioned that President Xi Jinping has sent a message of condolence to his Lebanese counterpart Michel Aoun, in which Xi said he was shocked to learn about the explosions, extended condolences to the victims, conveyed sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured, and wished the injured a quick recovery.

The Chinese embassy in Lebanon confirmed on Wednesday that one Chinese citizen was slightly injured in the blasts.

Xinhua - Agencies