Chinese foreign ministry on Thursday expressed sympathy to Chile after a strong earthquake caused at least eight deaths.

An 8.4-magnitude earthquake struck central Chile on Wednesday night, according to local media reports. Latest figure shows that the death toll has risen to eight.

"We express our sympathy to Chile for being hit by the earthquake," the ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said.

He also confirmed that there is no report of any Chinese citizens injured or killed in the quake, after a thorough check of Chinese companies and citizens through different channels.

"The Chinese embassy in Chile will continue to follow the disaster closely, and is ready to provide assistance to Chinese citizens and organizations in Chile," Hong said.