BEIJING - The Chinese government announced Wednesday that it has decided to provide 20,000 tons of fuel as emergency assistance to Japan after a massive earthquake and ensuing tsunami hit the country Friday.

The 20,000 tons of fuel, including 10,000 tons of gasoline and 10,000 tons of diesel, would be supplied to Japan in addition to the Chinese government's decision on Monday to provide 30 million yuan in emergency humanitarian aid to Japan to support disaster relief.

The Chinese government announced that the fuel assistance would be sent to Japan by the country's two major oil companies, the China National Petroleum Corporation and the China Petrochemical Corporation.

China's first relief package sent to Japan, including 2,000 blankets, 900 cotton tents and 200 emergency lights, had arrived Monday night.