Soon after the devastating earthquake hit China last month, many international companies have promised to provide funds for disaster victims. However, according to the data released by the Ministry of Commerce, the donation pledges made by some foreign companies and joint adventures in China are still empty figures.

According to the Beijing Youth Daily, those companies include some famous names like Unilever, Wal-Mart and Google China. Representatives from these companies explained to the daily that disaster reconstruction is a long-term process. Now, they are seeking proper aid programs, and donation funds can only be given after careful consideration.

Still their reactions are questioned by some people. An editorial in the Beijing News pointed out that cases of rubber checks have already happened before. The paper says it is too soon to assess the companies' efforts and honesty, but laws and transparency are certainly needed to avoid useless donation shows.

The paper suggests that to ease public worries and protect their own image, enterprises release their detailed donation figures in time. Besides oral promises, standard contracts and related legal procedures are also needed.

The article points out that both charity organizations and enterprises should use laws and regulations to guide their actions. Although charity is a kind of moral behavior, it cannot rely on morals alone.