On May 19, 2008, the Foreign Ministry opened a condolence book for foreign envoys and representatives of international organizations in China to mourn those who died in the May 12 earthquake in Sichuan Province.

From 9:30 to 17:00, diplomats and officials of international organizations from over 150 countries visited the Foreign Ministry to sign the condolence book and express condolences to the victims. In the condolence book, they expressed profound condolences to the victims in the earthquake, saying that they felt great pain over the suffering that the destructive quake had brought to the Chinese people. They extended sincere sympathy to the Chinese government and people and expressed admiration for heroic spirit shown and great efforts made by the Chinese government, army and people in disaster relief. They also showed firm support and high respect to the Chinese people, expressing belief that the Chinese government and its people will surely overcome all difficulties and rebuild their beautiful homeland. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi and other major officials of the Foreign Ministry in Beijing accepted the condolences and expressed their gratitude.

Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi told reporters that the Wenchuan earthquake, the most devastating quake disaster since the founding of the People's Republic of China, has caused heavy casualties and property losses. After the quake, the international community has continuously offered condolences and aid to China. According to Yang, leaders of 166 foreign countries and over 30 international organizations already expressed their condolences to China and the country has received official donations from governments and organizations valued at about 246 million U.S. dollars. Some countries also sent rescue teams to the quake-hit areas. China and the Chinese people feel wholehearted gratitude to the friendship and support offered by foreign governments and peoples during the disaster, said Yang.

On the same day, Chinese embassies, consulates and institutions overseas lowered the national flags to half-mast and opened condolence books for foreign government leaders and people from all walks of life, diplomatic missions, international organizations, overseas Chinese, Chinese peace-making forces and medical teams, Chinese-funded institutions and Chinese students to sign.

Some foreign embassies in China also lowered their national flags to half-mast in mourning for the quake victims.