BEIJING - Seismologists from China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) are jointly carrying out an earthquake program aimed at strengthening cooperation in scientific research on earthquakes, volcanos and tsunamis among the three nations.

The program was initiated during the East Asia Seismic Seminar that was held in Beijing last October, Chen Jianmin, director of the China Earthquake Administration, told Xinhua while participating in this year's annual session of the top political advisory body.

As the initiator of the program, China has promised to invest 10 million yuan ($1.59 million) as start-up funds, according to Chen.

Asia is a region severely battered by earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes.

"There is need for Asian countries to work together to cope with the threat of earthquakes and effectively relieve the losses from disasters," Chen said.