CIDCA outlines China’s anti-virus assistance to international communities

The State Council Information Office of China held a press conference to brief cooperation between China and the international community in fighting COVID-19 on March 26, 2020. [Photo/SCIO]

The State Council Information Office of China held a press conference on March 26 to brief cooperation between China and the international community in fighting COVID-19.

Deng Boqing, vice-chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), attended the conference and described China’s anti-virus assistance to other countries.

Deng Boqing, vice-chairman of the CIDCA, briefs the press about China’s anti-virus external assistance. [Photo/SCIO]

Deng stressed that the COVID-19 outbreak is spreading worldwide, and effective international cooperation in joint epidemic prevention and control is a top priority. Anti-epidemic assistance is an important part of international cooperation.

It is a fundamental requirement of China’s pursuit of greater good and shared interest to provide assistance to international communities, and also a practice of the concept of a community of shared future for mankind. 

As a responsible major power, China is ready to help countries who provided earlier assistance to China as well as others of those hit hard by the outbreak.

Providing assistance to other countries and regions also helps China control and reduce the risk of imported cases.

Deng said that China has provided assistance to 89 countries and four international organizations to fight against the novel coronavirus, and a new round of aid implementation programs is currently being prepared.

The assistance targets include countries with severe epidemic, countries with weak public health systems and epidemic prevention capabilities, and international organizations such as the European Union, the African Union, and ASEAN.

China has donated $ 20 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) to help certain countries strengthen their epidemic prevention capacity and improve their public health systems.

Materials provided by China include testing reagents, masks, protective gowns, isolation goggles, forehead thermometers, medical gloves and shoe covers, and ventilators and other diagnostic and treatment equipment. 

Meanwhile, China has sent medical expert teams to other countries to conduct experience exchange and sharing and provide policies and diagnostic advice.

In addition, many Chinese local governments, enterprises, private institutions and individuals have participated in foreign aid operations.

Deng underscored that China's anti-virus external assistance is the most intensive and wide-ranging emergency humanitarian operation since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, and is highly praised by the international community.

Noting China is facing rising risks of epidemic rebound from imported cases, Deng said China will continue to provide assistance to other countries within its abilities.

Deng also answered reporters’ questions at the conference.