BEIJING — China on Feb 23 expressed heartfelt sympathy and sincere condolences to Fiji over its losses in Cyclone Winston.

Winston, a category 5 tropical cyclone, swept through the Pacific island nation on Feb 20.

The severe tropical cyclone was the strongest ever to hit the country. The death toll has risen to 28 so far, according to local media reports.

The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) has provided emergency humanitarian aid of $100,000 to the Fiji Red Cross Society, spokesperson Hua Chunying said on Feb 23 at a regular press briefing.

Foreign Minster Wang Yi expressed condolences to his Fijian counterpart Inoke Kubuabola immediately after the cyclone, Hua said.

“We will continue to pay close attention to the situation and lend full support to the government and people of Fiji in fighting the disaster and reconstruction,” she said.