Singapore's President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong wrote to Chinese leaders on Monday to convey their condolences over the earthquake that killed hundreds of people on Sunday, the city-state's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Tan said in his letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping that he was saddened to learn of the loss of lives and the destruction to property as a result of the strong earthquake that struck Ludian County in Yunnan province on Sunday.

"On behalf of the people of Singapore, I extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones, and our heartfelt sympathies to those injured and who lost their homes in this disaster," Tan wrote.

"I am confident that under your leadership, the people of Yunnan will be able to carry on through this difficult time with fortitude and determination," he added.

Lee, in his letter to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, extended the deepest condolences to the government and the people of China.

"Singapore stands ready to assist those affected by this tragedy," he wrote. "Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time."