BEIJING / SHANGHAI - China warned its people of the risk of traveling to Japan as Premier Wen Jiabao expressed his condolences to victims of Japan's earthquake and tsunami on Monday.

"I want to use today's opportunity to express our sincere sympathy to the Japanese people," Wen said at a news conference. "China is also a country that is prone to earthquakes and we fully empathize with how the Japanese people feel now."

The National Tourism Administration suggested that tourists avoid visiting Fukushima and Sendai, where damage from the quake and tsunami is the most severe.

Luo Jun, an official from the Guangdong province foreign affairs office, said 777 tourists from the province were traveling in Japan when the quake struck, though none were killed or injured. Luo said that most had returned to China, with the remaining 212 due to return by Wednesday.

Many Chinese travel agencies have suspended Japan-bound tours after the devastating earthquake struck northeastern Japan last Friday and are now arranging return trips for stranded travelers.

Major tourism agencies told China Daily on Monday that they have been withdrawing tour groups from the country after the quake. They also said they will refund all tour fees, except visa fees if issued, to customers who decide to cancel their trips.

"Our last tour groups stranded in Japan will all return home on Tuesday," said Ma Xing, a Ctrip staff member. The travel agency said it had nine tour groups with a total of 193 tourists traveling around Japan when the quake struck.

A 15-member Chinese rescue team arrived in Japan on Monday to provide supplies to Japan. Wen recalled that when the massive Wenchuan earthquake hit in May 2008, the Japanese government sent a rescue team to China and also offered supplies.

China has donated 30 million yuan ($4.56 million) in relief supplies to Japan. The first consignment, which includes 2,000 quilts and 900 tents, was on its way, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

More supplies will be delivered by air as soon as possible, according to Yao Jian, spokesman for the ministry.

China Daily