Putting aside the usual rancor between China and Japan, President Xi Jinping has sent a message of condolence to Emperor Akihito over the series of earthquakes that have hit Japan.
Xi said he was shocked by the news of the quakes, China's Foreign Ministry said late Monday.
The temblors caused heavy loss of life and damage in Kumamoto Prefecture and elsewhere in Kyushu.
Xi extended condolences to families of the dead and injured, and said he hopes the victims will overcome their difficulties and rebuild their homes.
A range of other nations in the region also expressed sympathy for the victims.
South Korean President Park Geun-hye sent a message of condolence to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and offered assistance, the presidential office in Seoul said.
Tommy Remengesau, president of the Pacific island nation of Palau, sent a message to Abe conveying his condolences to the victims and bereaved.
The Philippine government issued a statement conveying "profound sympathies to Japan for the casualties and damage" caused by the quakes.