Malaysia briefs MH370 Chinese families to reduce tensions

The chief of the Malaysian air force Rodzali Daud speaks to the media in a hotel, 40 km from Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Malaysia, April 2, 2014. (Xinhua/Chong Voon Chung)

Malaysian government officials briefed the Chinese families on the investigation of MH370 and pledged to continue doing everything to find the missing craft, a statement from the Transport Ministry said on Wednesday. [Special coverage]

A special briefing session was held for the Chinese relatives of those on board MH370 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time at Hotel Bangi in Putrajaya.

The briefing session was moderated by the Malaysian Prime Minister's Special Envoy to China Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting.

"Throughout the process, I want to assure you that we have done everything in our power to locate MH370. We have spared no effort and expense. We have worked hard, and cooperated with everyone who could help including the people who are here," Civil Aviation Department Director General Datuk Azharuddin told the families.

The briefing was also telecast live to Beijing so families there could receive the briefing in real time.

The Chinese ambassador to Malaysia, chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force and Malaysian Foreign Ministry's deputy secretary general were also present at the briefing.

"China had more nationals on board MH370 than any other country. Malaysia recognizes its duty to provide the government of China with verified information, which it can then use to brief the Chinese relatives of those on board MH370," the statement said.

"Since MH370 went missing, Malaysia has been in constant communication with the Chinese authorities, at numerous levels of government, to ensure an accurate and timely flow of information," it added.

Since March 8, the Malaysian government has also been keeping officials from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, Aircraft Accident Investigation Department and members of the Chinese air force who have particular expertise in radar updated on developments.

In addition, Zhang Yesui, Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy of the Government of China and Huang Huikang, the Chinese ambassador to Malaysia have also been briefed.

Malaysia also sent a delegation to Beijing led by Deputy Foreign Minister Dato' Hamzah Zainudin, who met with his Chinese counterparts Vice Foreign Ministers Zhang Yesui and Liu Jianchao.

Attempts are being made by the Malaysian government to reduce tensions with the Chinese families who have expressed dissatisfaction with the steps taken by the Malaysian government since the flight went missing over 20 days ago.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak is scheduled to arrive in Australia later Wednesday to meet Prime Minister Tony Abbott and see the headquarters for the Indian Ocean search operations for himself.

Nine ships and nine aircraft are scouring a vast area roughly 930 miles west of Perth, Australia.