UN Secretary general Ban Ki-moon has joined Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on a visit to Yingxiu Township to see earthquake relief efforts in the country. The township was the epicenter of the 8.0-magnitude earthquake that hit Southwest China's Sichuan Province on May 12.

Premier Wen expressed his appreciation for the support from the international community, while Ban applauded the Chinese government and promised that the United Nations would provide more help.

CRI Reporter Chen Xi files this story from Yingxiu.

Reporter:

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao first thanked United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for the United Nations' support and help for China's quake relief efforts.

"I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the international community, the leaders, governments and people of different nations for their concern, sympathy, support and assistance to the Chinese people in the disaster."

He then briefed Ban on China's quake relief efforts, saying the country would carry out reconstruction work as soon as possible.

He pledged that China would try to restore order in the quake-affected areas in three months and help people there resume normal lives.

The UN Secretary-General arrived in Chengdu, capital of quake-stricken Sichuan Province, and then rushed to visit Yingxiu town in Wenchuan County to express his sympathy for those who suffered losses.

He highly commended the response of the Chinese government and the profound efforts of Chinese people in the aftermath of the disaster.

"I'm moved by such a strong leadership demonstrated by the Chinese government leaders, President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and all the people who have shown great spirit of self-help, cooperation and resilience to overcome this natural disaster."

Ban also promised that the UN would encourage its member countries to help China relocate disaster survivors and build new homes for them.

"The United Nations has taken initial measures to donate the necessary funding. We have sent rescue experts and officers. When I return, I will discuss with humanitarian officials, coordination officers and other member states what more the United Nations can do."

The massive earthquake has claimed more than 60,000 lives in Sichuan Province and other affected regions in the country. Nearly 30,000 people remain missing, and almost 300,000 others are injured.

Chen Xi, CRI News, Yingxiu Township, Sichuan Province.