The figure already matches the 32 million euros ($44 million) spent in searches lasting several months spread over two years for an Air France jet that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean in 2009.

Last week, the US Department of Defense said it had already spent more than $3.3 million on the search and planned to nearly double its original $4 million budget.

Insiders say it is difficult to come up with a full estimate for the search, especially as many of the costs are a routine part of maintaining search-and-rescue capabilities.

Questions:

1. Which nation has sent the largest group of ships and aircraft to search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370?

2. How many helicopters has China sent to assist with the search?

3. Who is Liu Jianping?

Answers:

1. China.

2. Eight.

3. A military expert.

About the broadcaster:

Anne Ruisi is an editor at China Daily online with more than 30 years of experience as a newspaper editor and reporter. She has worked at newspapers in the U.S., including The Birmingham News in Alabama and City Newspaper of Rochester, N.Y.

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