PYONGYANG, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese army showed its high level of specialization and combat capacity in the quake relief work, an official newspaper of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said Tuesday.

　　The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), the armed police, militia and reserve troops went all out into the battle against the disaster as the massive earthquake hit southwest China, said the Minju Joson.

　　The troops were swiftly deployed in affected areas both by land and air for rescue operation and reconstruction. It showed that the speed of reaction and capability of transportation of the PLA and the armed police were increased dramatically, the newspaper said.

　　Through the lens of western media, the quick reaction and relief efforts of the Chinese army showed a more brilliant image of China to the world, it added.

　　A strong earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale hit southwest China on May 12. As of midday Monday, the death toll from the quake rose to 69,019 nationwide, while 373,573 people were injured and 18,627 others were still missing, according to the Information Office of China's State Council.