World powers and Asian neighbours rallied around China with sympathy and pledges of help after a massive earthquake that left tens of thousands dead, missing or trapped.
"The thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the Chinese people, especially those directly affected. The United States stands ready to help in any way possible," President George W. Bush said in a statement.
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Monday near Chengdu, the capital of the southwestern province of Sichuan, flattening schools, factories and leaving nearly 10,000 dead, according to the official count.
But that figure was expected to rise dramatically with at least 10,000 people buried under rubble in Sichuan's Mianzhu city alone.
"I extend my condolences to those injured and to the families of the victims of (Monday's) earthquake in China's Sichuan province. I am particularly saddened by the number of students and children affected by this tragedy," said Bush.
Hundreds were feared buried at Juyan Middle School in Dujiangyan city, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the epicentre, and rescuers have pulled about 60 bodies from the rubble so far.
Bush's sentiments were echoed by China's neighbours, with close ally Pakistan expressing shock at the disaster.
"I am deeply shocked and grieved at the loss of precious lives of our Chinese brethren and damage to property caused by the severe earthquake that hit China," President Pervez Musharraf said in a message to his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao.
"At this difficult time, we stand by the great Chinese people and assure them of our full support and solidarity."
Japan said its rescue teams were on standby but expected that Beijing preferred to handle the disaster on its own.
"We want to provide whatever we can as our neighbour has suffered huge damage," Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura told reporters. "But we still have to see what the requests are."
Taiwan, which China regards as a renegade province, also offered condolences and pledged support.
"We expressed our condolences and we are willing to assist in rescue missions and provide necessary humanitarian aid," Prime Minister Chang Chun-hsiung said.
South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak told his cabinet seek ways to help, while Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd extended sympathy.
"I have written to Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao this morning, expressing this and offering Australian assistance including the search and rescue capability of the states and territories of Australia," Rudd said.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy also offered support.