One day after the strong earthquakes hit West Sumatra, Indonesia on 30 September 2009, the Chinese President Hu Jintao sent a letter to the Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to extend his deep condolences.

"I am shocked to learn that strong earthquakes have occurred in West Sumatra Province of Indonesia, causing heavy casualties and loss and property," President Hu writes in his letter.

On behalf of the Chinese Government and people, President Hu extends his deep condolences to the victims of the disaster and his sincere sympathy to their families.

President Hu believes that under the leadership of President Yudhoyono and the Indonesian Government, the Indonesian people will be able to overcome this disaster and rebuild their homeland at an early date.

On 1 October, the Chinese Government decided to provide an aid of US$ 500,000 to Indonesia to help the rescue work in the disaster-stricken region. The Red Cross Society of China will also donate US$ 50,000 to its Indonesian counterpart.