BEIJING, April 20 (Xinhua) -- The international community has highly commended the Chinese government for its quick and efficient relief efforts after last week's earthquake in the northwestern province of Qinghai.

Many foreign leaders and media outlets also showed solidarity with the Chinese people and hoped the affected people will overcome difficulties and rebuild their homes as soon as possible.

Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, on behalf of his nation, expressed sympathy for the earthquake victims and sent condolences to their families and other people affected by the disaster. He said he highly appreciated the efforts of Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and other leaders in leading the disaster relief work. The king also spoke highly of the ongoing relief work in the quake zone.

Tanzanian Prime Minister Peter Mizengo Pinda sent condolences to the Chinese government and the Chinese people, and praised China's quick response to the disaster.

He said he was impressed by President Hu and Premier Wen, who stood together with the Chinese people at such a critical moment and traveled to the quake-stricken areas to direct disaster relief work.

New Zealand's Foreign Minister Murray McCully said in a statement that China has a very good disaster emergency response mechanism. Although the earthquake took place in a remote mountainous region, the Chinese government managed to conduct relief work quickly.

He announced that his country will provide humanitarian aid worth some 280,000 U.S. dollars through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

In an article entitled "Never give up," the Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun said although 72 hours have passed since the earthquake struck and the best opportunity for finding any survivors has gone, Chinese rescue workers were still making full efforts in their search and rescue work.

The article praised Chinese leaders' quick response to the disaster. President Hu cut short his foreign trip and returned home to direct relief work, and Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, also shortened his visit and returned home, it mentioned.

Another Japanese newspaper, the Yomiuri Shimbun, commended the Chinese government for its quick and efficient response to the quake, especially in giving out relief supplies to the residents in the affected areas.

It also quoted Premier Wen as saying in the quake zone that the top priority is saving lives. "Even when there is only the slightest hope, we will do our best, and we will never give up," Wen said.

The Wall Street Journal spoke highly of the Chinese leaders' personal participation in the quick relief work. President Hu cut short his trip in Latin America and flew to the quake zone on Sunday to give instructions to the relief work, it said.

Locals said President Hu and Premier Wen's visits to the quake area calmed the local residents and boosted their morale, the paper said.