China Rushes Aid, Rescue Teams to Nepal After Deadly Mudslide

China has dispatched emergency cash assistance, humanitarian aid, and specialized rescue teams to Nepal following a devastating mudslide that struck the Gyirong port area. The first batch of 50 tons of relief supplies has already arrived in Kathmandu, and two teams of Chinese tunnel rescue experts have reached the front lines of the disaster zone.

Beijing has also shared satellite imagery, hydrological data, and early warning information about an upstream barrier lake with Nepalese authorities. Efforts are underway to help stranded Nepalese citizens return home. As of noon on Sunday, all Chinese nationals who had been reached in the affected areas had been safely evacuated and accommodated.

Nearly a hundred Chinese nationals remain missing in the disaster-hit regions. Chinese tunnel experts are on site assisting with search and rescue operations. Nepal is leading the efforts to locate those trapped, including more than 900 people believed to be stuck inside a blocked hydropower project tunnel.

Responding to criticism from some Indian TV channels that blamed Chinese infrastructure projects for the disaster, the Foreign Ministry said experts from China and Nepal have assessed that the mudslide was triggered by the collapse of a high-altitude glacier in Nepal. The ministry firmly opposed what it called "groundless and malicious speculation."

Addressing questions about censorship of dramatic flood videos and accusations of understated casualty figures, the ministry said search and rescue operations are proceeding intensively and information is being released in an open and transparent manner. It added that making malicious smearing and hype over the disaster is unpopular.

In other remarks, the ministry defended China's trade surplus with the US, calling bilateral economic ties mutually beneficial and win-win. It said China has never deliberately pursued a surplus and opposes unilateral tariff measures, urging both sides to resolve issues through consultation.

The ministry also offered condolences on the passing of Norway's King Harald V, praising his contributions to China-Norway friendship. On Japan, it noted that Tokyo has brought criminal charges against a Self-Defense Forces official who trespassed into the Chinese Embassy, urging Japan to severely punish the perpetrator and conduct a thorough investigation.