No Chinese casualties in Pakistan floods

China said on Monday it had not received reports of any Chinese casualties in the deadly floods that have swept across Pakistan since late last weekend, killing hundreds, leaving many missing, and displacing hundreds of thousands.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular news briefing that Beijing was closely following the situation. "China takes note of the heavy rainfall that has hit multiple regions in Pakistan and caused fatalities and economic loss. We deeply mourn the lives lost and extend heartfelt sympathies to those who have lost their loved ones and those who are injured," she said.

Mao added that Foreign Minister Wang Yi had conveyed condolences to Pakistan's deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar, and expressed confidence that "the people of Pakistan will overcome the disaster and build back from it at an early date."

She said the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan was continuing to gather information, but "at the moment, no Chinese casualties have so far been reported."