Xi offers condolences to typhoon-hit Philippines

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday conveyed condolences to his Philippine counterpart Benigno Aquino III over the heavy casualties and property loss caused by typhoon "Haiyan".

On behalf of the Chinese people, Xi extended heartfelt sympathy and sincere condolences to the typhoon victims as well as the bereaved families.

In his message, the Chinese president also wished the Philippine people early success in overcoming the disaster and rehabilitating their homeland.

Amid conflicting reports of the death toll, with some estimating as many as 10,000 dead, Aquino said during a televised interview Tuesday that he understood the figure to be around 2,000 to 2,500.