2011-02-25 12:32

WELLINGTON -- The arrival of specialized rescue experts from China on Friday brings the number of foreign aid workers to quake-damaged Christchurch to 350 from seven nations, says New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully.

He said on Friday the extra help would strengthen the rescue and recovery operation following the devastating quake that hit Christchurch on Tuesday, New Zealand Press Association reported.

"We are very grateful for the contribution provided by our friends from China, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom who have arrived in the past 12 hours," McCully said.

"Each will provide a valuable boost to the efforts by New Zealand and international rescue workers in Christchurch.

"The government continues to receive generous offers of specialist assistance from our international partners. These offers are under constant assessment based on the needs on the ground."

A team of 10 Chinese specialist personnel and equipment arrived on Friday morning in Auckland and was transferred to Christchurch around 3:30 p.m..