This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
China and Africa Unite Against COVID-19 ¶
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Africa have shown remarkable solidarity in their response to the crisis. The unprecedented outbreak has brought the two regions closer together, with both sides providing mutual support and cooperation to overcome the challenges.
According to a recent white paper titled 'Fighting COVID-19: China in Action', the solidarity of the international community, particularly between China and Africa, has been a key factor in the fight against the pandemic. Many African countries, including Kenya, have provided material and spiritual support for China, demonstrating their brotherly friendship in times of adversity.
One notable example of this solidarity is the support provided by Kenya to China. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Kenya's government and people have come together to provide assistance to Chinese nationals in the country. This includes donations of medical supplies and daily necessities, as well as the provision of direct cargo flights between China and Kenya.
China has also been working closely with African countries to address the pandemic. In May 2020, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced new measures to be taken by China to support the global response to COVID-19. These measures include providing US$2 billion to help with COVID-19 response and economic and social development in affected countries, as well as establishing a cooperation mechanism to pair up Chinese hospitals with their African counterparts.
On June 17th, 2020, the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19 was held via video link, with leaders of African countries, the Secretary-General of the UN, and the Director-General of the WHO in attendance. In his keynote speech, President Xi Jinping pledged that once the development and deployment of COVID-19 vaccine is completed in China, African countries will be among the first to benefit.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by the pandemic, the solidarity between China and Africa serves as a beacon of hope. By working together, the two regions can overcome the difficulties and build a community with a shared future for mankind.
