[Commentary] On April 15th, Li Nan, the Chargé d’ affaires of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, said in a video interview with China New Network and China Overseas Chinese Network that in order to protect the life, health and production of the overseas Chinese and students in South Africa, the embassy and the three The Consulate General fully relies on 13 Chinese police-civilian cooperation centers, Chinese-funded enterprise associations in South Africa, and international student organizations to continuously improve the joint emergency response mechanism and provide services to the majority of compatriots.
[Same period] Li Nan, Chargé d’ affaires of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa
One is that we have released more than 110 consular reminder services to promote epidemic prevention information with you and guide you to pay attention to your own protection. The second is to promote the relevant departments of South Africa, especially the Ministry of the Interior, to make special arrangements for Chinese citizens whose visas have expired due to the epidemic, to help you solve practical difficulties. Third, timely release some anti-epidemic items such as masks to our vast number of international students. At the same time, coordinate with South Africa's Ministry of Higher Education and Ministry of Education, colleges and universities to solve their housing difficulties during the national "ban". So far, there has been no case imported from China in South Africa, and there has been no case of infection by Chinese compatriots in South Africa, which can be said to have created a "double zero" record.
[Commentary] At present, South Africa has entered the state of "banned" and will continue until April 30. Li Nan said that most of the industries engaged by local overseas Chinese have been closed and schools have been suspended. Except for some special circumstances, most overseas Chinese and overseas students in South Africa are willing to stick to the local anti-epidemic.
[Same period] Li Nan, Chargé d’ affaires of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa
First, because the preparations made by the South African government are still relatively sufficient, and the prevention and control measures are relatively firm, and they are now continuing to take effect. Everyone is still very confident about this. The second fact also proves that the best way to prevent infection is to travel less. Generally speaking, if it is not necessary, it is really best not to travel. Now everyone has realized this scientifically and rationally. Third, South Africa is still in the "blockade" period from now until April 30, and all passenger flights have actually been grounded. Judging from the information available to our embassy and consulate in South Africa, our vast numbers of overseas Chinese in South Africa, and our Chinese compatriots, have not experienced the phenomenon of returning home in a concentrated manner, and their mentality and emotions are relatively stable.
[Explanation] Li Nan said that the embassy and consulate respectively formulated relevant pre-diagnosis plans for overseas Chinese in South Africa, Chinese-funded enterprises, and international student groups. If they are unfortunately diagnosed with new coronary pneumonia or have suspected symptoms, they can obtain help from the embassy or consulate through various channels.
[Same period] Li Nan, Chargé d’ affaires of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa
The first is to call a local professional institution, the South African Institute of Infectious Diseases just mentioned, they have a 24-hour hotline to get professional medical services for the first time, and the second can immediately give us embassies and consulates, and 13 more Police and civilian cooperation center to contact, we will follow up accordingly to provide corresponding assistance. The third international student can also get help through the institution where they are located. Because we have a close working relationship with various universities and colleges, especially with our international students, and have a fixed contact mechanism.
[Commentary] Li Nan said that in the next step, the embassy will continue to do the job of collecting and guarding, concern about the safety needs of overseas Chinese and international students, and coordinate the distribution of protective materials. Li Nan said that under the current grim situation of the global epidemic, only by working together to fight against the "epidemic" can we win the final victory.
[Same period] Li Nan, Chargé d’ affaires of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa
In the face of this sudden outbreak, employees and students of overseas Chinese and Chinese-funded institutions in South Africa always breathe with the people of the motherland and share their destiny and heart-to-heart. At the beginning of the outbreak, they generously donated money and donated money to help the country. During the period, the urgently needed medical supplies were transported back to the country against the "epidemic disease", and all kinds of medical supplies were more than 250 tons. After the outbreak in South Africa, our Chinese side has also made a profit. Now we are making every effort to mobilize all aspects of the force to raise anti-epidemic materials to help the people of South Africa fight the outbreak. In this special period, only when we all work together and fight against the epidemic together can we finally win.
Cheng Yu Beijing Report
Editor in charge: [Li Ji]