A friend in need is a friend indeed

For Ecuador, China is a remote country across the vast Pacific, yet the geographic barriers did not divide them when the South American country was jolted by a deadly earthquake in April.

The 7.8-magnitude quake, which struck the northern Pacific coast of Ecuador, caused heavy loss of human life and property damage. China announced immediately after the quake that it would provide an aid fund of $2 million and $60 million in materials.

During his state visit, which began on Thursday, President Xi Jinping will discuss offering help for Ecuador's rebuilding work, including the construction of hospitals, houses and roads.

A new hospital is to be built with Chinese assistance in the earthquake-stricken city of Chone in northwestern Manabi province, to replace one that was seriously damaged by the devastating earthquake in April.

Daniel Santos, of Ecuador's disaster relief and reconstruction commission, said the new hospital will be completed in 20 months by China CAMC Engineering Co Ltd.

Actually, Ecuador's national emergency response system, ECU 911, which was a vital resource in the aftermath of April's powerful earthquake, was also developed by Chinese companies.

Apart from the earthquake rescue and rebuilding, China and Ecuador's cooperation has also flourished in many other areas.

Of the eight hydropower plants under construction or completed, seven were built by Chinese firms.

"Even mountains and seas cannot distance people with common aspirations," Xi wrote, quoting a Chinese saying in his article published in Ecuador's El Telegrafo newspaper on Wednesday.

Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa has also given his explanation of the close Ecuador-China relationship－he broke with his country's reception norms and went to airport to welcome the Chinese president and his delegation. Such a high-level greeting is rare in international diplomatic practices.

According to a Chinese saying, "when brothers come together, there is nothing they cannot achieve."

For Ecuador, China is definitely a trustworthy brother.

Contact the writer at anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn