On January 2, 2005, Cao Gangchuan, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, State Councilor and Defense Minister, on behalf of the Chinese Ministry of Defense and the People's Liberation Army of China, send a message to Indian Defense Minister Pranab Mukherjee, expressing sadness and sympathy over the heavy losses of life and property in India caused by the Indian Ocean earthquake and the following tsunamis on December 26 last year and extending deep grief to the deceased and sincere condolence to their families.

In the message, Cao said that China and India are friendly neighbors, the Chinese government, people and military have all been paying close attention to the latest developments in India in the wake of the disaster and the Chinese defense authorities and army have also contributed to China's relief assistance to countries affected by the disaster. As a further token of the good will of the Chinese army to their Indian counterpart, the Chinese Ministry of Defense decides to deliver RMB2.3 million, or US$ 277,100 donated by Chinese military officers and soldiers for the relief and reconstruction efforts in the wake of the catastrophe.

Cao expressed confidence that with the leadership of the Indian government, the Indian people and army will surely defeat the disaster, overcome the difficulties and rebuild their homeland.