US to give $500,000 to China earthquake relief

WASHINGTON, May 13 (Reuters) - The United States plans to contribute $500,000 to help with earthquake relief efforts in China in anticipation of an appeal for aid by the International Red Cross, the White House said on Tuesday.

"It's an initial contribution in response to the event," said White House spokeswoman Dana Perino, adding that the Bush administation will "consider what, if any, additional funding is needed."

U.S. President George W. Bush spoke to Chinese President Hu Jintao earlier on Tuesday to offer condolences and U.S. assistance, Perino said. They also discussed issues related to Tibet and cyclone relief efforts in Myanmar, she said. (Reporting by Jeremy Pelofsky, editing by David Storey)