New Delhi: China is now working on allocating medical supplies from Chinese enterprises to meet the growing demand in India, including oxygen concentrators, the country’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday.
“We are allocating and pushing forward Chinese companies in actively meeting India’s demand for medical supplies such as oxygen concentrators,” said ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin.
His statement comes amidst reports on Monday that state-run Sichuan Airlines has suspended all its cargo flights to India for 15 days, disrupting private traders’ efforts to procure the much-needed medical supplies from China.
Asked about this, Wang said, “As far as I know, that’s normal business interaction.”
“We stand ready to offer support and assistance to the best of our capability if the Indian side informs us of its specific needs. As for the operation of the specific flights of the airlines you mentioned, I suggest you check with the company concerned,” he said during Monday’s press briefing.
Separately, the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy here, Counselor Wang Xiaojian said on Monday evening that China will ‘encourage and guide the country’s companies to facilitate medical supplies to India.
On Tuesday, the foreign ministry spokesperson reiterated providing support to India.
“China is willing to cooperate with India through multiple channels in helping it fight the epidemic, and we believe India can conquer it,” the spokesperson said.
On Monday, 800 oxygen concentrators were airlifted from Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to Delhi and 10,000 more will be sent in a week, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka tweeted on Monday. It also wrote that “China is keeping in touch with India regarding urgent needs.”