CIDCA takes media questions on China’s emergency humanitarian assistance to Vanuatu for hurricane relief

Liu Junfeng, director-general of the Second Department of Regional Affairs of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), took media questions on the latest progress of China's emergency humanitarian assistance to Vanuatu in response to the hurricane.

From Feb 28 to March 4, Vanuatu was hit by two strong cyclones, which destroyed a large number of houses and public facilities and caused heavy property losses to the country. Liu said that the Chinese government was highly concerned over the disaster situation and relief needs, and immediately launched emergency humanitarian assistance to Vanuatu. According to him, China decided to provide emergency relief supplies to Vanuatu by charter flights. The supplies, which include tents, folding beds and first aid kits, arrived in Vanuatu on March 16. Meanwhile, the Chinese government donated $500,000 to the Vanuatu government and the Red Cross Society of China donated $100,000, to support local procurement of relief supplies such as water, food and medical materials, as well as deployment of disaster relief personnel.

The assistance fully demonstrated the China-Vanuatu comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual support and solidarity, Liu said. He added that the Chinese government will continue to provide assistance within its capacity to Vanuatu, based on the evolving situation of the disaster and the country's needs, in a bid to help the Vanuatu people overcome the disaster and rebuild their homeland.