BEIJING - China is willing to offer necessary humanitarian aid to victims in the Philippines in the wake of a deadly tropical storm, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said.

Spokesman Liu Weimin made the remark on Monday during a daily press conference after being asked to comment on the recent tropical storm Washi that has wreaked havoc in the south Philippines.

Liu expressed sympathy and condolences for those who have been affected by the storm.

The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has already promised to give 440,000 pesos ($10,000) in relief funds for disaster victims.

As of Sunday, more than 500 people have lost their lives in floods and landslides triggered by Washi.