Kathmandu, May 25: Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China has in the last few months launched the largest global humanitarian operation in the history of the People’s Republic in support of the nations hit by the COVID-19.
Minister Wang made this remark while responding to queries at a press meet on the sidelines of the Third Session of the 13th National People’s Congress.
He said: “To put into action President Xi Jinping’s vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, we have in the last few months launched the largest global humanitarian operation in the history of the People’s Republic. To date, we have shipped medical supplies to nearly 150 countries and four international organizations to meet their immediate needs.”
He informed that China e held video conferences with health experts from over 170 countries to share our proven protocols of diagnosis, treatment and control without any reservation. It sent 26 expert teams to 24 countries to provide timely information and in-person guidance. “Our factories have operated at full capacity to make high-quality medical supplies and equipment that are badly needed around the world, exporting 56.8 billion surgical masks and 250 million protective gowns, among other provisions.”
Wang noted that China had done all this because, first and foremost, China was a grateful nation. “We are always ready to reciprocate acts of friendship and kindness from others. Moreover, China is always willing and ready to help others. When our friends are in distress, we never sit by and do nothing. A case in point is our assistance to Africa during the Ebola epidemic. While some countries evacuated their personnel from the affected areas, China rushed to Africa’s aid despite risks of infection, sending in medical teams and badly needed supplies and fighting alongside our African brothers and sisters until victory was declared.”
He remarked “We know that the COVID-19 assistance from China may not cover the needs of all affected countries. We are also aware that some political forces are mischaracterizing our intention. But we have done everything in the open and we have a clear conscience. Nothing we do is out of geopolitical calculation, or in pursuit of economic gains, or with any political strings attached.”
The coronavirus is still raging in many places. China is not a savior. But we try to be a friend in need, a sincere partner you can count on in times of difficulty. We will continue to help the countries in distress to the best of our ability, pursue more international cooperation and fight alongside others until final, worldwide victory can be declared against COVID-19, he said.
Here is the full text of question-answer: FMPRC
