China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said on Wednesday that the government would provide Mexico with relief aid worth US$5 million to help the nation deal with swine flu.

US$1 million would be offered in cash and US$4 million in relief materials, including masks, gloves, isolation coats, disinfection equipment and infrared thermometers.

MOC spokesman Yao Jian said the Chinese government was highly concerned about the situation and nations should work together to counter swine flu.

More than 20 countries, such as the United States, Canada and Spain, have reported cases or suspected cases of swine flu.

No human cases had been found in China, nor had the virus been found in the country's pigs, China's Ministry of Health said on Wednesday.

The virus is suspected of causing the deaths of 159 people in Mexico, the Mexican Health Ministry said late Tuesday.

(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2009)