BERLIN, April 20 (Xinhua) -- The German government sent condolences to China on Saturday over the 7.0-magnitude earthquake in southwest China's Sichuan Province and offered assistance in the rescue work.

Chancellor Angela Merkel said her sympathy goes to the many victims and their families, and offered help in searching for the missing and taking care of the needy.

Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle also sent condolences and offered assistance in a statement.

"Germany is ready to provide assistance if the Chinese government should want that," said Westerwelle.

The earthquake hit Lushan county of Ya'an City in Sichuan Province at 8:02 a.m. Saturday Beijing time (GMT 0002).