BEIJING, March 11 (UPI) -- China is willing to offer assistance to Japan in its cleanup of a monster 8.9-magnitude earthquake, a tsunami and aftershocks, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said.
Chinese earthquake rescue crews were preparing to go to Japan Friday to join earthquake relief work if needed, China's state-run news agency Xinhua reported.
Wen also expressed "deep sympathy and solicitude to the Japanese government and the people."
China's International Rescue Team put its members, equipment, materials and medicines in place and are ready to depart for Japan at any time, China Earthquake Administration Director Chen Jianmin said.
"We are highly concerned about the earthquake in Japan and its consequences such as fires and building damages," Chen said.
He said the earthquake would not affect the Chinese mainland but warned most parts of the region should remain alert against the tsunami.
"Experts believe that the coastal areas will embrace tides which will be less than 50 centimeters high, which would not cause damages," he said.
