A senior Chinese official says the country has started setting up a disaster relief system involving the government, non-government organizations and international relief agencies.

Speaking at an international disaster relief symposium in Beijing, Director of the Department of Disaster and Poverty Relief in the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Wang Zhenyao, said China has established both a relief system and a disaster forecast system.

He says the central government has also developed the emergency aid system, which has played an important role in reducing losses and assisting victims

The official says the Chinese government is working with non-government organizations in disaster relief efforts adding that China also welcomes assistance from international aid groups.

(CRI November 9, 2004)