China asks Malaysia to fulfil obligations on MH370 tragedy

China today asked Malaysia to fulfil its obligations of compensation to the families of MH370 crash victims and continue the search for the jet, hours after Malaysian officials declared the tragedy as an accident.
"At this moment of sadness, the Chinese government expresses its deep sorrow for the misery of those on board, and offers its profound sympathies and sincere condolences to their families," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a statement.
Her comments came after Director General of the Malaysian Department of Civil Aviation Azharuddin Abdul Rahman announced the status of missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 as lost.

The Boeing 777 aircraft with 239 people, including 154 Chinese nationals and five Indians, on board disappeared on March 8, 2014, shortly after taking off from Kuala Lumpur en-route to Beijing.
Azharuddin said passengers and crew of the flight were presumed dead and search remains priority.
Hua said Malaysia's declaration was made based on available satellite data of the aircraft and results of the search operation to date and in compliance with the provisions of the relevant international convention.

"We call on the Malaysian side to act on the commitments made in the statement (of declaring MH370 an accident), fulfil its obligation of compensation, protect the lawful rights and interests of the families and provide them with support and assistance," Hua said.

"We also call on the Malaysian side to remain fully committed to the search and investigation efforts and keep the families updated on the latest progress," she said.
The Chinese government will work closely with the governments of Malaysia and Australia, actively participate in the search and investigation efforts, provide the families with all necessary services and uphold their lawful rights and interests, said Hua.
She also expressed deep appreciation and gratitude for all those efforts of Malaysia, Australia and other countries and international organisations in searching for the aircraft, conducting investigations and offering consolation to the families of the passengers.