Beijing (ANTARA News) - The Chinese government is seeking to step up its cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states to mitigate natural disasters.

Spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry Hua Chunying made the remarks here on Thursday to voice China`s concern over tsunamis striking several parts of Indonesia and claiming several lives and destroying houses and other buildings.

The intensified cooperation is aimed at increasing skills to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, Chunying stated.

"China and the ASEAN are discussing the signing of a MoU to mitigate disasters," he stated.

During their annual meeting between China and the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance (AHA) Center, both sides are expected to discuss earthquake and tsunami monitoring and early warning systems, he revealed.

Based on the ASEAN Regional Forum framework, he stated that China and the ASEAN had held various seminars on maritime disasters, earthquakes, and climate change.

China is ready to share its experience, concept, and technology of post-disaster handling with ASEAN member states to increase their capacity in handling disasters, he added.

Reporting M. Irfan Ilmie
Editing by Suharto

Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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