China is to assist Caribbean countries affected by COVID-19.

Addressing the 73rd session of the World Health Assembly on Monday, President Xi Jinping stated that his country will offer material and technical assistance, share its containment experience and treatment solutions, and facilitate commercial purchase of medical materials in China.

He further said that China will actively expand all-round practical cooperation with Caribbean countries in areas like trade and investment and strengthen communication and coordination in international and regional organisations to elevate relations to a new level.

The Chinese president disclosed that a special vice foreign ministers’ meeting on COVID-19 was held via video link on May 11, which saw exchanges on several issues including domestic COVID-19 situation and response, China-Caribbean cooperation in fighting the pandemic, and coordination and cooperation in international affairs.

According to him, all participants expressed readiness to enhance cooperation in prevention and control of COVID-19 and jointly uphold global health security, adding that Caribbean countries also expressed objection to politicising, stigmatising and labelling practices under the pretext of the pandemic, and support for the World Health Organization’s leading role in the global response.

He disclosed that China will provide US$2 billion over two years to help with COVID-19 response and with economic and social development in affected countries, especially developing countries, among other things.

China will also work with other G20 members to implement the Debt Service Suspension Initiative for the poorest countries.

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