The9 recently sent out a brief press release announcing that, in respect to the Chinese decree for three days of mourning following last week's earthquake, it would temporarily suspend operations of its various MMOs, including World of Warcraft.

Here's the press release's official statement, in full:

The9 Limited, a leading online game operator in China, announced today that it will suspend the operations of World of Warcraft, Soul of The Ultimate Nation, Granado Espada, Joyful Journey West, and MU from May 19, 2008 to May 21, 2008, in response to the government's calling for three days of mourning for the earthquake tragedy in Southeast China. The operations of the foregoing games will be reestablished starting from the calendar day of May 22, 2008.

We here at QJ extend our condolences to the many victims affected by this tragic occurrence.

Images courtesy of KBK and the Associated Press.