Xi’s Speech in the 73rd World Health Assembly Determined to Combat Covid-19 virus and Assure to Extend Support in post-Covid Economic Development
Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the 73rd World Health Assembly 2022 virtual session and delivered remarks through a video link. The world was eagerly waiting for his speech, especially when the world’s health and stability is in question due to Covid-19. In fact, there is no way to overlook health crisis caused by Covid-19 virus. Corona virus caused most suffering to mankind after WW-II. At his opening speech Xi expressed his sorrow for the diseased and extended deep condolence to families.
The Covid-19 issue is a global threat because the virus knows no borders. China took measures to identify the disease at the outbreak and took direct and indirect protective measures. China’s global approach to contain corona virus was an example for others. Good practices of awareness moves, detection of symptoms, trace infection, social distancing, isolation, area lockdown, quarantine etc was new to many countries. China was also pioneer in research and develop vaccine for the virus. Chinese vaccines wasn’t subject by any border. As the virus was global threat, the vaccine was also made global. Air transportation of vaccines was also made easy by Chinese PLA air carriers.
However, no one is safe until the virus infection rate and number is zero. In this stage Xi proposed for all-out effort to combat Covid-19 irrespective of border, race, religion and culture. He admired his “People first Policy”. He assures to continue china’s global approach to research and vaccination program. Xi appreciated WHO’s effort to save lives in the Covid crisis and confirms China’s help in finance and resource maneuver of WHO anti-Covi-19 initiatives. Xi wishes to see a world leaving no one in danger, he expressed his concerns regarding people in Africa who live below poverty line, media is also not interested about them, so we often don’t see the sufferings of Africa. But the truth is Africa is the most Covid-19 hit country at the moment. China will continue its effort to help African union with medicine and expertise. Xi advocated for Global Governance concept to fight global crisis. It is not your land or my land its our world. He said public health should be first priority. Xi proposed to have a global standard operational procedure during any pandemic. Unique decision of different governments of the world, resource mobilization within the countries, quick reaction on emergency, uninterrupted supply chain these can be the topic of discussion. China can give a comprehensive review on best practices, he added.
Xi rightly pointed out the economic co-operation amongst the countries to rebuild the economic strength in post-Covid situation. Co-operation is the major weapon to defeat the Corona virus. He mentioned many epidemics and crisis exploded in earth and eliminated. This Covid-19 virus will also go, he assured with confidence. China is planning to build a global humanitarian hub in china with first track transportation system.
Bangladesh Awami League is also hope the proposed four points of Xi comes in action for a safe shared world. The 2 billion USD China is going to provide WHO will definitely be a big boost up for anti-Covid program. Our prime minsister Sheikh Hasina is fulfilling the dream of Bangabandhu in turning Bangladesh into “Golden Bengal”. China in an import hub for Bangladesh, many mega projects in Bangladesh are coming into reality with the assistance of Chinese technology. We also appreciate the help extended by Chines people during the Covid-19 pandemic. China provided Covis-19 vaccines and lifesaving equipment to Bangladesh from the very beginning of the crisis and it continues till date. This is a true reflection of Xi’s policy and the proverb, “ Valobashar Nouka Pahar Baiya Chole,” means the boat of love can sail over the hills.
Writer:
Squadron Leader (Rtd) Sadrul Ahmed Khan, Former Deputy Serjeant-At-Arms. Member, Finance and Planning Affairs Sub-Committee, Bangladesh Awami League.