On May 5, 2008, Chinese President Hu Jintao sent a message of sympathy to Than Shwe, chairman of Myanmar's State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), in the wake of a cyclone that caused heavy casualties and huge property losses in the southeast Asian country.

As a friendly neighbor, China will provide help and aid to Myanmar's reconstruction efforts, Hu told Than Shwe. Hu expressed the belief that Myanmar would soon overcome the difficulties caused by the cyclone and restore normal life for its people under the leadership of the SPDC.