BEIJING - President Xi Jinping on Thursday sent a message of condolences to Governor-General of Papua New Guinea Bob Dadae over the strong earthquakes that hit his country.

In his message, Xi said he learned that earthquakes had hit the central regions of Papua New Guinea, causing heavy casualties and property losses.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people as well as in his own name, Xi offered his condolences to the victims and the wounded and sympathy to their relatives.

The Chinese people share the agony of the people in Papua New Guinea, Xi said, adding that China is willing to provide support and help to its best capabilities.

Xi said he believed that under the leadership of the government of Papua New Guinea, its people will overcome this difficulty and rebuild their country as soon as possible.