China calls for unity on COVID-19 to help poorer nations

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China's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva Chen Xu stressed the importance of international cooperation to help poorer nations during the COVID-19 crisis during a press conference from Switzerland on Wednesday.

Chen Xu said that countries needed to share research and experience during the pandemic, but that such cooperation should not only be from the so-called Global North, wealthier nations in the northern hemisphere, to the poorer countries in the Global South.

"South-south cooperation should be deepened and strengthened to help those countries, particularly in Africa, where there is a weak healthcare system."

The ambassador also highlighted China's international contribution to tackling the novel coronavirus, pointing out that Beijing had donated some $50 million to the World Health Organization as well as providing assistance to some 140 countries around the world.