In 2004, China launched its largest ever overseas aid-and-relief operation after a major tsunami struck in Southeast Asia, South Asia and parts of Africa.

The Chinese government pledged 21.63 million yuan (US$2.7 million) worth of emergency humanitarian aid in equipment and cash. It later increased that amount by 500 million yuan (US$62.5 million) and transferred domestic public donations worth US$20 million to the disaster-hit nations, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

When Hurricane Katrina ravaged the southern United States last August, China offered US$5 million worth of assistance and emergency relief materials. China has also sent relief aid to other countries including Russia during the Beslan incident, earthquake-stricken Iran, and Afghanistan.

"A key value in Chinese culture is 'humanity'. As the Chinese saying goes, 'When a disaster strikes, help should come from all sides,'" said Prof. Lin from the Party School of the CPC Central Committee. "So when China receives international aid to deal with its domestic emergencies and in return offers assistance to others when they are hit by crisis, the world will see a more confident and responsible nation," he said.