Solidarity ‘more valuable than gold’, China tells conference

China made a surprise appearance at an international coronavirus summit yesterday attended by leaders from more than 40 governments – but the United States remained absent.

The online conference, seen as a major moment in the drive to establish a unified global approach to the pandemic, led to countries and global health organisations committing more than €7.4 billion (NZ$13.5b) to develop vaccines, treatments and diagnostics to fight Covid-19. Nations also pledged to share their endeavours equitably across the world.

A last-minute addition saw China’s ambassador to the European Union participate in the event, where he said the country is a ‘‘responsible member of the international community’’.

‘‘In fighting the virus, confidence and solidarity are much more valuable than gold,’’ said Zhang Ming, as he reiterated the country’s pledge of US$30 million (NZ$50m) in emergency funding for the World Health Organisation.

‘‘Panic and blame games are not useful.’’

But several other major players were absent – including India, Russia, Brazil and the US, raising concerns ‘‘vaccine nationalism’’ may hamper cooperation.

While US officials declined to say why the administration was not represented at the summit, Donald Trump, has been public in his criticism of WHO, which has helped to coordinate the international response.

The US president has accused the organisation of being ‘‘Chinacentric’’ and last month he announced that America would halt funding to the UN agency. A week later, his administration scuppered the publication of a

G20 communique setting out guidelines for a global response, due to wording in support of the WHO.

Traditionally, the US has been a major funder of global health initiatives.

‘‘It is a pity the US is not a part of [the summit],’’ Erna Solberg, prime minister of Norway, said.

‘‘When you are in a crisis, you manage it and you do it jointly. Everyone will certainly evaluate their work at some point and see what could have been done differently, but you do this afterwards.’’

But Emmanuel Macron, president of France, said that he had spoken to Trump and was ‘‘confident’’ the US would join in due course.

The summit, convened by the European Commission and cohosted by the UK, has been welcomed by experts as a significant step in ensuring that vaccines, treatments and diagnostics are affordable and accessible.

‘‘Just about every single world leader noted the word equity,’’ said Jenny Ottenhoff, senior policy director for global health at the ONE campaign.

‘‘At least rhetorically, it’s really worth acknowledging that commitment.’’