Spain's king and queen, Juan Carlos and Sofia, expressed on Monday their condolences and solidarity for the thousands of victims caused by the 7.8 Richter-scale earthquake in China's southwestern Sichuan province.

Spain's king sent his condolences to China "together with the queen and on behalf of the Spanish government and people."

Juan Carlos and Sofia sent a telegram to the Chinese government wishing that the injured reestablish fast and condolences for the victims.

Earlier on Monday, Spain's government lead by Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero expressed "its deepest sorrow" to China for its thousands of deceased people and victims caused by the earthquake that hit the southwestern Chinese province of Sichuan.

Spain's Foreign Ministry sent "its condolences and solidarity to the victims' families of said tragedy."

The earthquake, measured at 7.8 degree on the Richter scale, rocked southwest China Monday afternoon. The death toll in Sichuan Province alone has reached 8,533, Chinese authorities said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 13, 2008)