TOKYO (AP) -- Japan agreed Thursday to dispatch an emergency relief team to help China deal with its devastating earthquake, officials said, in what appeared to be Beijing's first acceptance of foreign aid since the disaster struck.

Japan, which earlier announced its willingness to help, was to send a group of about 50 rescue workers and medical experts after China made an official request, Foreign Ministry official Masahiko Mitsumoto said.

The team would include firefighters, rescue workers from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, doctors, nurses and officials from the National Police Agency, the Coast Guard, the Foreign Ministry and a relief agency, Mitsumoto said.

The Japanese government announced Wednesday it would provide 500 million yen (US$4.76 million) in emergency grants and relief supplies such as blankets and tents.

"We are scrambling to gather people, equipment and relief supplies so that we can send them as soon as possible," Mitsumoto said.

The initial team, however, will not include Japanese troops or earthquake experts because China did not ask for them, he said. Japan's disaster agency this week had a team of 17 rescuers standing by but canceled the planned dispatch after the Chinese government declined to accept them.

Experts say the first 72 hours are critical to survival in disasters, meaning that calling in outside help at this point could be far less effective.

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