Aerial photo taken on Dec. 17, 2021 shows the devastation caused by Typhoon Rai in Surigao del Norte Province, the Philippines. (Philippine Coast Guard/Handout via Xinhua)

BEIJING, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government is ready to assist, within its capacity, the Philippine government and people according to their urgent needs, a spokesperson with China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) said Monday.

Noting that the Philippines was hit hard by Typhoon Rai recently, causing heavy casualties and property losses, spokesperson Xu Wei said that China expressed deep condolences to the victims and sincere sympathy to all affected.