The Chinese Government has attached great importance to the life and health of foreign nationals in China in fighting against COVID-19, said Zhao Lijian, spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. 

"All foreigners are treated equally. China rejects differential treatment, and has zero tolerance for discrimination," said Zhao on April 12 while making remarks on Guangdong's anti-epidemic measures concerning African citizens in China.  

Mutual support 

Chinese and African people are good friends, partners and brothers. The China-Africa friendship has stood the test of time, especially the difficult times, Zhao said.  

In 2014, after the Ebola epidemics broke out in three West African countries, the Chinese Government provided assistance at the earliest time possible and fought side by side with the African countries and people.  

Now faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Africa are again tiding over difficulties hand in hand. Zhao said China will not forget the support it received from Africa in the most difficult times.  

According to Zhao, while overcoming difficulties at home, China is also taking care of all African citizens in the country, especially African students. As the situation is getting more severe in Africa, the Chinese Government and people have promptly delivered batches of supplies to the continent. Also, China has donated large amounts of test kits, masks, protective suits, goggles, face shields, forehead thermometers, medical-use gloves, shoe covers, ventilators and other supplies to the African Union and African countries. All these actions have been highly acclaimed by African countries and the African Union.  

Equal treatment 

Zhao said that, though China has achieved remarkable progress in combating COVID-19 at this stage thanks to its most comprehensive, rigorous and thorough measures, the country is still facing great risks of imported cases and domestic resurgence. Particularly, as the pandemic spreads all over the world, imported cases are bringing mounting pressure. 

In south China's Guangdong Province, the government attaches high importance to the treatment of foreign patients, including African nationals. Specific plans and proper arrangements are made to protect foreign patients' life and health, and Chinese medical professionals have saved the lives of African patients in severe or critical condition.  

Regarding some African countries' concerns, the Guangdong authorities are taking prompt action to improve their working method. The measures include: providing health management services without differentiation, designating hotels for the accommodation of foreigners required to undergo medical observation and making price adjustments for those in financial difficulties; setting up effective communication mechanism with foreign consulates-general in Guangzhou; and rejecting all racist and discriminatory remarks.  

Zhao said that the Chinese people treat the African people as partners and brothers through thick and thin. African people can count on getting fair, just, cordial and friendly reception in China. The foreign ministry will stay in close communication with the Guangdong authorities and continue responding to the African side's reasonable concerns and legitimate appeals. 

"With mutual understanding, mutual support and cooperation, China is ready to continue working with African friends to achieve the final victory," said Zhao.