CHINA TO DONATE $4.3 MILLION
IN CASH AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES to Fiji and other Pacific Island countries to fight COVID-19
The Chinese government has decided to donate 4.3 million Fiji dollars (equivalent to 1.9 million US dollars) in cash and medical supplies to Fiji and other Pacific Island countries to fight COVID-19.
While the first batch of medical supplies will be arriving this week, a new round of aid programmes is currently being prepared.
Furthermore, Chinese local governments, enterprises and friendship associations are also lending helping hands to our friends in the Pacific.
At the initial stage, China immediately shared with Fiji its latest COVID-19 treatment guidelines and national diagnosis and treatment plan, as well as its knowledge of the disease. On March 10th, Chinese medical experts held video conferences with Fijian counterparts, sharing details of China’s experience in containing, diagnosing, and treating the pandemic, as well as exchanging views with them on issues of their concern.
Not only the Fijian people, but also the Chinese community live in this beautiful island. At this special moment, we call on all overseas Chinese, Chinese enterprises, and the aid project team in Fiji to fight together with the Fijian people, to conquer COVID-19 and make the utmost effort to assist in the country’s economic recovery.
Race against time
Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, Chinese people have been racing against time in the fight against the epidemic. Thanks to the whole country’s arduous effort, our domestic epidemic prevention and control situation continues to show a positive trend, prompting an acceleration in the resumption of life and work. Currently, COVID-19 has broken out in many countries and is still spreading. It is urgent to carry out effective international cooperation in prevention and control. Only through solidarity can we overcome the difficulties, and only with joint efforts can we beat the disease.
China sympathises with countries suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic, and is offering help and providing assistance within its capacity. Chinese medical workers and supplies have been sent to 28 Asian countries, 16 European countries, 26 African countries, 9 countries in the Americas and 10 countries in the South Pacific. China has also donated US$20 million to the WHO, supporting it in playing a better co-ordinating role in international action against the pandemic. We also sent medical expert teams to the hardest-hit countries and co-operated with relevant countries on vaccine research as well as drug development.
Four propositions
During the Extraordinary G20 Leaders’ Summit on COVID-19 on March 26, President Xi Jinping put forward four propositions.
First, we need to be resolute in fighting an all-out global war against the COVID-19 outbreak.
Second, we need to make a collective response for prevention and control at the international level, to discuss the establishment of regional public health emergency liaison mechanisms.
Third, we need to support international organisations like WHO and G20 in playing their active roles. Fourth, we need to enhance international macro-economic policy co-ordination and prevent the world economy from falling into recession.
China will continue to pursue a proactive fiscal policy and prudent monetary policy, expand imports and outbound investment to contribute to a stable world economy.
The outbreak of the coronavirus has now become a global pandemic. Pandemics know no borders, and the world is a community with a shared future that shares weal and woe. Many countries are facing pressure and challenges in terms of epidemic prevention and control. We can completely relate to what they are going through. Fiji so far has five confirmed cases. We appreciate the all-round timely and effective measures taken by the Fijian Government, so that the residents of this country, in the midst of an epidemic, can continue to enjoy a calm and peaceful life.
We believe that with the concerted effort of all parties, we will prevail over this pandemic, and ensure that the health and well-being of our people is protected.
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Source: The Chinese Embassy in Fiji