China appreciates M'sia's sincerity, says Ong Ka Ting

China appreciates Malaysia's sincere efforts which have fuelled the ongoing search and rescue operation to locate the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Flight MH370 which disappeared last Saturday.

The Malaysian prime minister's special envoy to China, Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting said China's Vice-Foreign Minister Xie Hang Sheng had commended Malaysia's efforts to strengthen bilateral relations by putting sincere and practical action in dealing with the incident.

During the mission on behalf Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Ong said he was here to convey the message to China that Malaysia was putting vigorous efforts into the search and rescue operations.

"I am here to convey the prime minister's care and concern to the families of affected victims," he told the Malaysian media here Tuesday.

Ong said his visit was aimed at giving support to a total of 103 MAS staff, including 13 Chinese staff, all volunteers, and Taiwan Buddhist foundation Tzu-Chi, and the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China who had worked round-the-clock and demonstrated the Malaysian spirit at its best.

Earlier, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang had communicated with Najib over the matter.