Chinese FM extends condolences over cyclone in Fiji

BEIJING -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday expressed condolences over Fiji's losses in Cyclone Winston.

In a message to his Fijian counterpart, Inoke Kubuabola, Wang pledged that the Chinese government is willing to provide assistance within its power.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce also said Sunday that it was working on a plan to help with reconstruction in the South Pacific island country, while the Chinese Embassy in Fiji said it was coordinating with the Fijian government over aid.

The cyclone, one of the most powerful storms in the Southern hemisphere, tore through Fiji over the weekend, leading to 20 deaths by Monday. The death toll is expected to rise dramatically in the coming days.