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On 25 February, at Chinese Foreign Ministryโs regular press conference, the MFA spokesperson was asked whether China would help African countries combat the COVID-19. The following are the question asked and spokesperson Mr. Zhao Lijianโs answer.
Q: On February 22 in a video speech at an emergency ministerial meeting on COVID-19 organized by the African Union, Director-General Tedros said the WHO still has concerns that this virus could spread to countries with weaker health systems, and he called on the international community to support those countries that are most vulnerable. Will China provide help to African countries?
A: We noted Director-General Tedros’ remarks. Since the outbreak of the epidemic, the Chinese government and people have been making all-out efforts to counter it. The most stringent and thorough measures have been taken and relevant efforts are showing their effects. As the Director-General pointed out, it was because of China’s strong measures that cross-border spread of the epidemic has been effectively contained and global preparedness has been allowed time for.
During China’s fight against the virus, many developing countries including African countries gave us valuable support and help at the earliest time possible despite their limited resources. The 36th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council and the latest AU Peace and Security Council meeting issued communiques not long ago, in which African countries expressed their solidarity with China in the efforts against COVID-19. During the recently concluded emergency AU meeting of African health ministers, countries also lauded China’s epidemic control measures. African countries standing with China in times of adversity is a perfect demonstration of a community with a shared future for mankind.
“Receiving drips of water when in need, and I shall return the kindness with a spring.” Reciprocating an act of kindness is our nation’s fine tradition. We will remember the friendship and assistance we received, continue to implement the FOCAC Beijing Summit outcomes and act on the vision of building a community with a shared future, support those countries with weaker health systems as much as we can to help them defeat the virus, and safeguard regional and global public health security.
Source: Chinese Embassy