On March 25, 2011, Chinese President Hu Jintao sent a message of condolences to his Myanmar counterpart U Thein Sein over the losses of life and property inflicted by a strong earthquake in northeastern Myanmar. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Hu extended profound condolences to the victims and heartfelt sympathy to U Thein Sein and via him to the families of the victims and the people in the quake-stricken area. The Chinese president also voiced his belief that under the leadership of U Thein Sein, the Myanmar people would unite in a concerted effort to overcome the disaster and rebuild their homes.