Special report: Strong Earthquake Jolts SW China

    BEIJING, May 14 (Xinhua) -- More world leaders and government officials have extended messages of condolences to China over the deadly earthquake that jolted Sichuan province in the country's southwest on Monday.

    Japanese Emperor Akihito sent deep condolences to the victims of the earthquake and extended sincere solace to the Chinese people, in particular, the relatives of the dead.

    Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej felt deeply sorry for the heavy casualties and large property damages caused by the earthquake. Thailand's crown princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn wished the injured a quick recovery.

    Sultan of Brunei Hassana Bolkiah sympathizes with the anguish of the Chinese people and supports China's efforts to overcome the difficulties.

    Morocco's King Mohammed VI expressed sincere solace to the families of the victims while wishing the injured a quick recovery and praying for China.

    British Queen Elizabeth II expressed shock and regret over the human and property losses in the quake, and extended deep condolences and solace to the Chinese people.

    British Prime Minister Gordon Brown highly valued China's rapid, effective reaction to the disaster.

    Swedish King Carl XVI Gustav also sent his deepest and sincere condolences to the families of the quake victims.

    Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko Tuesday sent a message of deep condolences to Chinese President Hu Jintao over the disastrous earthquake.

    "Accept my sincere and profound condolences in connection with the May 12 earthquake in Sichuan province," Yushchenko said in the message.

    Yushchenko asked the Chinese leader to convey his words of solace to the relatives and friends of those who were killed in the quake.

    "We are ready to provide necessary assistance to the relief efforts in China," said the message.

    Meanwhile, Yushchenko ordered the government to deal with the provision of humanitarian assistance issues.

    Romanian President Traian Basescu expressed his belief that the Chinese government is capable of leading its people to overcome difficulties and rebuild their homeland at an early date.

    An earthquake, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, struck Sichuan Province in southwestern China Monday. The earthquake death toll across China rose to 14,866 by 2:00 p.m. Wednesday (0600 GMT), Xinhua learnt from authoritative sources.