The Red Cross Society of China asked via International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for about USD 21 million as financial assistance to the affected people, state media reported.

The money would be used to buy relief goods including food, drinking water, tents, warm clothes, lighting equipment and telecommunications facilities, official Xinhua news agency said quoting the Society.

Meanwhile, the first Japanese rescue team has launched operations soon after their arrival at Qiaozhuang Town, seat of Qingchuan County, one of the worst quake-ravaged areas in Sichuan province.

The team is the first batch of foreign air personnel to enter China since the 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck.

Another team of Japanese rescue professionals was also expected shortly.

China has also decided to allow rescue teams from Russia, South Korea and Singapore.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said Beijing accepted the offers by taking into account their contiguity to China, which might ensure promptness of the aid.