China suspends debt repayments of developing countries to help them fight Covid-19.

Move to help developing countries fight against Covid-19, says official

China will fulfil its commitment to assist developing countries in the fight against Covid-19 and work with the international community to resume personnel exchanges to mitigate its negative impact on social and economic development, a senior official said.

Vice-Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu on Sunday said at a news conference in Beijing that China has announced the suspension of debt repayments for 77 developing countries and regions with the implementation of the G20’s Debt Service Suspension Initiative for the world’s poorest countries.

The establishment of a cooperation mechanism for Chinese hospitals to pair up with 30 African hospitals is also underway, Ma said, adding that the construction of a United Nations humanitarian hub in China is under discussion.

In a speech at a virtual event opening the 73rd session of the World Health Assembly last month, President Xi Jinping announced China will provide US$2bil (RM8.5bil) over two years to help with Covid-19 response and with economic and social development in affected countries.

Ma explained that through bilateral aid and multilateral donations, the funds will be used to provide anti-epidemic materials as well as support the resumption of economic and social development in related countries in the post-epidemic era.

At the news conference, the State Council Information Office unveiled a white paper titled “Fighting Covid19: China in Action”, which records China’s efforts in its fight against the virus, shares its experience with the rest of the world and clarifies its outlook on the global battle.

According to the white paper, China had provided anti-epidemic assistance to more than 150 countries and four international organisations and had sent 29 medical experts groups to 27 countries as of May 31.

Local governments, enterprises, civil organisations and individuals have donated medical supplies to more than 150 countries and international organisations, it said.

From March 1 to May 31, China exported anti-epidemic materials to 200 countries and regions, including 70.6 billion face masks and 340 million items of protective clothing as well as other supplies, it added.

Ma said China has held over 180 video conferences with experts from more than 170 countries and international organisations.

“All these facts demonstrated China’s sense of responsibility as a major country,” Ma said, adding that China has advanced its cooperation with other countries and boosted its relations with most of them during the pandemic.

In terms of stigmatisation of China, Ma said that “while certain countries defame China as well as create and spread a political virus with every conceivable means to shed their own responsibilities, China must firmly fight back against the shifting of blame”. — China Daily/ANN