On February 27, 2010, Chinese President Hu Jintao sent a message of condolence to his Chilean counterpart Michelle Bachelet over the casualties and huge property losses caused by the powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Chile earlier in the day. Hu, on behalf of the Chinese government as well as in his own name, extended sincere sympathies to Bachelet, the Chilean people and government as well as profound condolences to the earthquake victims. The Chinese side was feeling the same way as the Chilean people ran into difficulties, said Hu, adding that China was ready to offer emergency relief to Chile to help those affected by the earthquake through their difficulties. Hu said he was confident that under the leadership of the government, the Chilean people would be able to overcome the catastrophe and reconstruct their homeland.