At 5:30 p.m., January 13, 2010, the full-equipped international rescue team sent by the Chinese government was ready to set off at the Beijing Capital International Airport. Vice Foreign Minister Song Tao went to the airport to send the team off on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Song Tao pointed out that on the afternoon of January 12 local time a devastating earthquake hit Haiti, causing heavy casualties and massive property losses. The Chinese government expressed deep concern and sympathy for the families of the victims. China's leaders were greatly concerned about safety of the Chinese in Haiti, including the Chinese peacekeepers, the compatriots of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and overseas Chinese, extended sincere condolences to them and their families, and made arrangements for immediate relief and rescue operations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also attached great importance to such a situation and made immediate decisions and plans to send the staff of the consular protection center together with the rescue team to the affected areas of Haiti and participate in the rescue operations. Song stressed that the current disaster situation was complicated and the conditions were tough. The rescue team was vested with a noble mission, an arduous task and a heavy responsibility. Song hoped that all comrades lived up to the people's trust, carried forward the glorious tradition, and provided all possible assistance for the people in disaster areas, including the Chinese people. They were also hoped to fulfill their missions, successfully complete their tasks and return home safe and sound.

China's international rescue team left for the disaster areas in Haiti by special plane at 8:30 p.m., the evening of January 13.