NAIROBI, June 23 (Xinhua) -- De-globalism and unilateralism will impair the international community's ability to fight common challenges, a Chinese diplomat said on Tuesday.
Wu Peng, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya said in a commentary published in Kenya's Star newspaper that when faced with challenges, some people start to call for de-globalization, to protect their interests.
"We are living in an era where countries and people are interdependent and inseparable," Wu wrote, adding that the COVID-19 epidemic has been a touchstone for the shared vision of globalization and multilateralism.
The envoy revealed that since the outbreak of COVID-19 in China, many African countries including Kenya have provided material and spiritual support to China.
"Chinese nationals from all walks of lives are also working with their Kenyan friends to overcome difficulties," Wu said.
He noted that to better contain the epidemic, donations of medical supplies - two batches by the Chinese government, three batches by the Jack Ma Foundation and around 20 batches by Chinese companies - have either been delivered or will be delivered to Kenya.
He said that direct cargo flights also resumed between the two countries to support "buy Kenya, build Kenya", and China is also trying to find a producer of high standard BFE melt-down fabric for Kenyan factories to produce N95 face masks.
He observed that in China, up till now, not a single Kenyan national was infected by COVID-19.
To soothe their stress and ease their homesickness, Chinese and Kenyan ministries of foreign affairs (MFA) and embassies completed a special relay to distribute free gifts of coffee, tea and nuts during the suspension of almost all means of logistics, Wu said.
The envoy revealed that in future, China will remain committed to its solemn commitment to build a community with shared future for mankind.
Wu said that at the 73rd World Health Assembly held in May, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China will provide two billion U.S. dollars over two years to help with COVID-19 response and with economic and social development in affected countries, especially developing countries.
Xi also said that a cooperation mechanism will also be established to pair up Chinese hospitals with their African counterparts while accelerating the building of the Africa CDC headquarters.
