BEIJING, Jan 29 — China will continue to work closely with the Malaysian and Australian governments in the search for the vanished Malaysia Airlines MH370 aircraft and provide relevant assistance and services to the families of the passengers to protect their rights and interests.

“In the wake of the incident, Malaysia has made important efforts in searching for the aircraft, conducting investigations and offering consolation to the families of the passengers,” China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said today.

Australia and many other countries and international organisations had also provided significant support and assistance to the search of the aircraft, and in related operations, she said via the ministry’s official Weibo account.

“Today, based on available satellite data on the aircraft and results of the search operation to date, and in compliance with the provisions of the relevant international convention, Malaysia has declared MH370 an accident,” she added.

Hua said, following that announcement by Malaysia’s Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), the Chinese Government expressed deep sorrow over the misery of the passengers on board the ill-fated aircraft.

 She said China also offered its sympathies and condolences to their families.

“China hereby, expresses deep appreciation and gratitude for the efforts taken...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 added.

Today, MH370 was officially declared an accident under international rules, and all 239 passengers and crew onboard are presumed to have lost their lives. — Bernama