As rescue teams from Japan and Russia have finished their search and rescue operations and left quake-ravaged Sichuan Province, the China Youth Daily has expressed Chinese people's gratitude to them.

In an article called "Thank You, International Rescue Teams, "the paper says the international rescuers have proved that the world is one big family. It says human beings are connected with each other and everyone should give a helping hand to those who needed.

Four rescue teams from Japan, Russia, South Korea and Singapore joined China's rescue efforts as soon as they stepped into the quake-hit areas. One female survivor and dozens of bodies were taken out by them from beneath tons of rubbles.

The paper commends that those international rescue forces have shown their efficient work and remarkable devotion, which have brought great spiritual encouragement to Chinese victims. Their professionalism needs to be appreciated by all Chinese.

At the same time, the article says, their deeds have also illustrated their care for humanity and respect for life. For example, after successfully retrieving a woman from the debris, Russian rescuers asked TV crews and photographers nearby not to use lights and camera flashes, in case it might harm the eyes of the survivor.

Another moving scene belongs to the Japanese rescue team, who paid condolence by standing solemnly after digging out the bodies of a mother with a two-month old baby in her arms.

The paper says such tiny details tell us that every life should be respected, and every Chinese should say thank you to those international rescuers.