New Zealand acting Prime Minister Michael Cullen on Tuesday extended New Zealand's sympathy to China following a large earthquake which has affected the country's southwestern region.

Reports so far suggest more than 8,000 people were dead and 20,000 injured.

On behalf of New Zealanders, the government extends its sympathy and condolences to China following the tragedy that has struck the country's Sichuan Province, Cullen said.

"China has immense capability of its own but New Zealand stands ready to assist in an appropriate way if we are asked," he added.

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark is paying a visit to Japan.

(Xinhua News Agency May 13, 2008)