On June 22, 2008, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi extended condolences to his Philippine counterpart Alberto Romulo over the deadly typhoon "Fengshen," which sank a ferry ship with more than 800 people on board.  The full text of the message is as follows:

Hon. Alberto G. Romulo

Secretary

Department of Foreign Affairs

Manila

                                                                                                Beijing, June 22, 2008

Your Honorable,

Shocked to learn that your country was severely hit by typhoon, which has caused casualties and property losses. And a ferry sank in typhoon-tossed waters, causing heavy casualties. I wish to express to Your Honorable, and through you to all victims my deep condolences, and my sincere sympathies for the Philippine people and the families of the victims.

                                                                                                                                      Yang Jiechi 

                                                                                                                           Minister of Foreign Affairs

                                                                                                                      The People's Republic of China