China Diplomats in New York Oversee Delivery of Medical Aid, ‘We See Ourselves as New Yorkers’

April 22, 2020 (EIRNS)—Yesterday, Chinese Consul General in New York Ambassador Huang Ping and Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Zhang Jun oversaw online the handover of medical supplies donated by the missions that had arrived in New York from China last weekend. The two diplomats had coordinated the shipment of protective equipment, comprising 25,000 N95 masks, 2,000 protective suits, and 75,000 pairs of medical gloves, China Daily reported today.

“All of our staff and family members see ourselves as New Yorkers, and always want to reach out to help,” said Consul Huang. Urging close cooperation, he urged, “This is no time for finger pointing ... but a time for solidarity, collaboration, cooperation.”

In his remarks, Ambassador Zhang Jun stressed the need for multilateralism and global cooperation, saying, “We should stand firm against politicization of the pandemic and remove all obstacles that hinder our cooperation.” COVID-19 is the “common enemy of all mankind.”

Ambassador Huang Ping reported that every day at 7:00 pm, he and his wife stand out on the balcony of their apartment and join with all New Yorkers in applauding the city’s healthcare and essential workers. The “unity of New Yorkers,” he said, will defeat the pandemic and bring the “dynamic and colorful life back to New York.”

New York City’s Commissioner for International Affairs Penny Abeywardena effusively thanked China for the medical supplies. “We are grateful for your support and your partnership,” she said, and “we will not tolerate any harassment or discrimination of your community here.”

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