BEIJING - President Xi Jinping on Monday said Chinese people are capable to overcome difficulties caused by a strong earthquake in Southwest China on Saturday.

Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and the government, and with the support from the international community, Chinese people are able to rebuild their home, Xi said.

He expressed gratitude towards the international community for their concern and support.

A 7.0-magnitude earthquake jolted Southwest China's Sichuan province on Saturday morning, killing at least 188 people and affecting about 1.5 million people.