Spokesman on the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington(2001-09-13)

2004-06-12 15:01

Q: During the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington on 11 September, how many Chinese were killed or injured? What kind of assistance or measures has the Chinese Government adopted?

A: On the evening of 11 September, New York and Washington came under severe attacks, leading to huge casualties. After the incident occurred, the Chinese Embassy in the United States, the Consulate General in New York, China’s Permanent Mission to the UN and the Consular Department of the Foreign Ministry of China immediately adopted emergency measures and tried every effort to provide assistance to overseas Chinese, compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, members of the Chinese companies, Chinese students and their families in the United States.

After the incident, China’s Embassy and Consulate Generals tried their best to get in contact with the members of the Chinese companies in the World Trade Centre. They also got in touch with the American Airlines to learn the situation of Chinese passengers. To facilitate family members to learn about the plight of their relatives in the United States, China’s Embassy, Consulate Generals in the United States and the Consular Department of the Foreign Ministry of China have offered around the clock services and publicized emergency hotline numbers on their websites and the press, in order to provide all necessary help and protection. China’s Embassy and Consulate Generals have also sent people to visit members of the Chinese companies, the Chinese delegations in the United States and representatives of Chinese students to convey greetings of Chinese leaders and express profound sympathy and warm greetings to all the injured and the family members of the deceased. China’s Consulate General in Chicago also timely provided necessary assistance to 145 Chinese citizens in Detroit who were caught there due to flight delays.

According to the latest information at 8:00 am, 13th September, it has been verified that two Chinese citizens unfortunately lost their lives during the terrorist attacks, namely Mr. Zheng Yuguang (aged 65) and Mrs. Yang Shuyin (aged 61), who were both passengers on board the AA77 flight. Besides, Mr. Chen Xiaobing (aged 32) is reported dead by his family. Mr. Wang Weibin (aged 41) is missing.

It is learned that there are 18 Chinese companies in the NY World Trade Centre. It has been confirmed that all members of 11 Chinese companies are safe, a member of a company is injured and a family member of a staff of a company is missing. Five Chinese companies have lost contact. Besides, there are 6 Chinese financial institutions in neighbouring areas of the World Trade Centre. All of their staff are reported safe.

At the moment, China’s Embassy and Consulate Generals in the United States are trying to get in touch with members of the remaining Chinese companies.