China expressed its condolences for the lives lost and extended sympathies to the bereaved families and those injured in the earthquake that recently hit Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.

This photo taken on July 28, 2026, in Tokyo, Japan, shows a mobile phone screen displaying the earthquake information. (Photo: Xinhua)

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a routine press conference in Beijing in response to a related query, adding that China is closely following the aftermath of the earthquake.

The Chinese embassy and consulates in Japan activated their emergency response mechanisms immediately after the earthquake and issued consular advisories, reminding Chinese nationals in Japan to be aware of tsunami risks and possible aftershocks, Mao said.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry and missions in Japan will continue to closely follow the developments and provide timely assistance to Chinese nationals in need.