China is willing to extend assistance to the Philippines in battling the outbreak of the new coronavirus disease, Malacañang announced yesterday, in the wake of the surge of infections in the country.
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian made the offer after President Duterte cited Chinese President Xi Jinping’s handling of the health emergency during their meeting in Malacañang last Wednesday.
“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Wednesday received China Ambassador Huang Xilian, stressing the importance of continued economic cooperation as well as working together to addresses challenges posed by the spread of COVID-19,” Malacanang said.
“Huang expressed solidarity with the Philippine government in its efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. The Chinese ambassador also conveyed China’s readiness to extend assistance,” it said.
In the meeting with the Chinese envoy, Duterte offered the country’s sympathy and solidarity with the people of China affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
The government recently donated 52 boxes containing emergency medical and food supplies for the people of the virus-hit Wuhan in Hubei province.
“He extended the Philippines’ solidarity with China and the international community in addressing the global public health emergency,” Malacanang said.
“President Duterte has noted President Xi Jinping’s handling of the health emergency,” it added.
The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic after it rapidly spread from Wuhan, China to more than 100 countries in recent weeks.
The number of worldwide cases has reached more than 100,000 while the deaths surpassed the 4,000 mark. More than 3,000 people died due to the virus in China, mostly in Hubei province. (Genalyn Kabiling)
