China to continue working with international community to fight pandemic

BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- China will continue to work with other countries and overcome difficulties with mutual assistance to safeguard international public health security, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Friday.

Zhao made the remarks at a news briefing when he was asked about China's assistance to other countries amid the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) across the world.

"With the vision of a community of shared future for mankind, China has provided support and assistance to the international community within its capacity while continuing to do a good job in epidemic control at home," Zhao said.

So far, the Chinese government has provided and is providing supplies to 127 countries and four international organizations, including surgical masks, protective gears and testing kits, Zhao said.

China donated 20 million U.S. dollars to the WHO, sent 13 medical teams to 11 countries and held over 70 video conferences with experts from more than 150 countries and international organizations, Zhao said.

"Localities, enterprises and civil groups in China have also donated medical supplies to more than 100 countries, regions and international organizations" he said.

Zhao said that some countries asked China for assistance in commercial procurement through diplomatic channels, and China recommended exporters to them.

China's Ministry of Commerce has also published a list of manufacturers certified by regulatory authorities and facilitated the customs clearance of supplies in compliance with regulations, he added.

According to Zhao, by April 8, 58 countries and regions as well as four international organizations had signed contracts on commercial procurement of medical supplies with Chinese businesses, and another 71 countries and 10 international organizations were in talks for such purchase. There are other foreign buyers cooperating with Chinese companies, too.