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BEIJING -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Sunday conveyed condolences to the victims in the strong earthquake that struck southern Taiwan on early Saturday.

The 6.7-magnitude quake hit Kaohsiung at 3:57 am Beijing Time on Saturday at a depth of 15 kilometers, killing at least 26.
"We're deeply concerned about the disaster situation.

We express deepest sympathies to Taiwan compatriots affected by the quake and convey condolences to victims," Xi said in a statement.

"Compatriots across the Taiwan Strait are one family whose blood is thicker than water, and we would like to provide assistance in all aspects," Xi added.

The Chinese mainland has offered help. While addressing a lunar new year gathering on Saturday morning, Premier Li Keqiang sent condolences to the victims.

Many mainland netizens posted messages expressing sympathy for Taiwan compatriots who are affected by the quake.

"Let's pray for our Taiwan compatriots," wrote netizen "Zuo'an Houniao."

Death toll at 26

The death toll from a powerful earthquake that struck southern Taiwan had reached 26 by 3:50 pm Sunday.

The collapse of the Wei Guan building, the most seriously damaged, has killed 24.