China to attend tsunami aid summit
4 January 2005
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is to attend an emergency summit of Southeast Asian leaders being held on Thursday in Jakarta to discuss the aftermath of the recent tsunami disaster, state media reported. The announcement is seen as a further sign of China's intent to play a more prominent role in regional and international affairs in line with its growing political and economic clout. China has so far pledged US$63m to the tsunami relief effort and Wen's visit to the summit is likely to see further offers of assistance.