WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush is paying his "deepest sympathies" to those killed in China's massive earthquake.

The president on Tuesday made an unscheduled visit to the Chinese Embassy in Washington, where he signed a book of condolences. Bush was joined by first lady Laura Bush, chief of staff Josh Bolten and national security adviser Stephen Hadley.

Bush said, "We stand ready to help any way the Chinese government would like ... We extend our deepest sympathies. We pray for recovery and we extend sympathy to those whose lives have been torn apart."

China's Cabinet has raised the overall confirmed death toll to 40,075. Officials have said the final number killed by the quake is expected to surpass 50,000.