BEIJING, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie on Friday conveyed his condolences to Japan over the massive earthquake that struck Friday and expressed willingness to offer help.
In a message to his Japanese counterpart Toshimi Kitazawa, Liang, on behalf of the Ministry of National Defense of China, extended deep condolences and sympathy to the earthquake victims and their families.
He also expressed his willingness to provide Japan with necessary assistance.
Dozens of deaths and extensive devastation have been reported since the earthquake, measuring 8.9 magnitude on the Richter scale, hit northeastern Japan on Friday afternoon and triggered a massive tsunami in the Pacific Ocean. 
