Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions have also lowered their flags to half-mast to mourn quake victims.

The national flag at Golden Bouhinia Square in Hong Kong is being flown at half-mast, after a complete flag-raising ceremony this morning. The two special administrative regions say all government offices and schools in both Hong Kong and Macao will keep flags at half-mast during the three-day period of national mourning.

They say all government employees will stand in silence for three minutes at 2:28 p.m. on Monday. Public recreational activities are also suspended.

(CCTV May 19, 2008)