BEIJING (AP) China, criticized for a tepid response to the Philippines typhoon, said Wednesday that 51 emergency medical personnel from the government and a disaster relief team from the China Red Cross will leave for the archipelago nation within days.
The Chinese navy will also send a medical ship, the Peace Ark, one of the world's largest and most capable floating hospitals.
The announcement came almost two weeks after the typhoon struck, killing more than 4,000 people.
Beijing's response has been attributed to its feud with Manila over South China Sea islands both claim. It has pledged less than $2 million in cash and materials. In contrast, the United States says it has provided more than $37 million in humanitarian assistance, and even major corporations such as Ikea and Coca-Cola outdid the Chinese pledge.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said that after consultation with the Philippines' government, the two government and Red Cross teams will leave in the coming days.
