KUCHING: China and Sarawak should forge greater cooperation concerning the Covid-19 vaccine in efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, said Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching Cheng Guangzhong.
“Chinese vaccines have arrived in Malaysia and will play an important role in Malaysia and Sarawak’s fight against the pandemic following the vaccine cooperation agreement signed by the two sides,” he said in an exclusive interview today.
He said China presently had several vaccines under accelerated development with tens of millions of doses of vaccines administered nationwide, adding that surveillance showed there were no serious adverse reactions and it was safe.
“China is a committed front-runner in promoting international vaccine cooperation. We have carried out vaccine research and development (R&D) and production cooperation with a dozen or so countries, attracting more than 100,000 volunteers of over 100 nationalities,” he said.
He said altogether 17 Chinese vaccines had entered clinical trials, adding that over 60 countries, Malaysia included, had authorised the use of Chinese vaccines.
He pointed out that the safety and effectiveness of Chinese vaccines were earning recognition across the world.
“China is prepared to discuss with other countries the feasibility and protocols for mutual recognition of vaccination,” he said.
Cheng said, thus far, China had sent dozens of medical teams, exported 250 billion face masks and 2.5 billion protective suits, and provided strong support to the international community in the fight against the pandemic.
He said facing the sudden outbreak of Covid-19 over the past year, the cooperation between China and Malaysia, including Sarawak, to combat the outbreak was well-organised and developed.
“Malaysia donated anti-epidemic materials to China and Sarawak also provided a large number of donations to China.
“China also donated anti-epidemic materials and medical supplies such as surgical face masks and protective suits to Malaysia and Sarawak, giving priority to Malaysia’s demand for Chinese Covid-19 vaccines,” he said.
He said the Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching had assisted the Sarawak government in procuring 106 tons of anti-epidemic materials from China.
Furthermore, he said China and Malaysia learned from each other, including a Chinese medical expert team making a special trip to Malaysia and Sarawak to share their experience.
“China and Malaysia – ‘bukit sama didaki, lurah sama dituruni’ (going through easy times and hardships together) – the relationship between China and Malaysia as good neighbours, good partners, and good friends has been further developed,” said Cheng.
Also present were Consuls Jiang Ying and Shao Xiao from the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching.
