BEIJING - A Chinese friendship association official Wednesday visited the New Zealand embassy in China to express his condolences to the quake victims on behalf of the Chinese people.

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A 6.3-magnitude earthquake Tuesday struck Christchurch, New Zealand's second largest city, killing at least 75 people and causing widespread damage.

China believes New Zealand will quickly recover from the devastating earthquake, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) Chen Haosu said.

He said New Zealand is a beautiful country, with a resilient economy and united people.

Through the embassy, Chen donated 100,000 RMB ($15,210) to the New Zealand-China Friendship Assocaiton to help with the quake relief work.

Pam Duun, the embassy's charge d'affaires, said the people of New Zealand were deeply grateful for the Chinese people's warm-hearted response and highly appreciated the support provided by CPAFFC.