(BRUSSELS) - The European Union offered Tuesday its condolences to China after a massive earthquake left tens of thousands of people dead or missing, and pledged to send aid if requested.

In a letter, European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso conveyed to Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao "his condolences for the victims and the solidarity of the people of Europe with the people of China at this moment," Barroso's spokeswoman said.

He said "the European Union is ready to support his (Wen's) work in whatever way it can and our humanitarian experts are already on standby to assist if the need arises."

Monday's 7.9-magnitude quake in China's Sichuan province has killed around 12,000 people so far, according to the civil affairs ministry, a figure expected to soar as more details emerge of the staggering devastation.

Aftershocks continued to pummel the region, causing panic.

The commission's aid spokesman said: "Of course we are ready to offer humanitarian assistance to the victims if needed."

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