The People's Daily, the mouthpiece of the Communist Party of China, carried a commentary on Sunday calling for concerted efforts of the whole country to overcome difficulties caused by Monday's quake that rocked southwestern Sichuan Province and neighboring regions.

People are aware, more than ever, that to win the battle against the devastating earthquake requires the contribution of the whole country, says the commentary.

"Whenever disasters strike, help comes from all sides," it says, adding that the unity and cooperation between people and government departments have moved the relief work faster.

The flowing donations into quake-hit areas will add to the nation's courage and confidence in overcoming the difficulties, the commentary says.

(Xinhua News Agency May 18, 2008)