Hu added that all separatist forces are doomed to failure, and said the central government would support social and ethnic development, CCTV reported.

CNN: Hu calls for reform in China's Uyghur region

China's state run CCTV reported that more than 1, 000 people had been rescued, but authorities said they expected the death toll to rise.

CNN: Chinese rescuers impeded by earthquake damage

It says state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) reported the announcement as breaking news in its 1900 news bulletin, which is extremely rare treatment.

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