CHINESE Ambassador to Zimbabwe Guo Shaochun has inadvertently confirmed his country and compatriots were being scorned for allegedly creating the deadly coronavirus which has killed over 18 000 and infected nearly 400 000 around the globe.
The diplomat Tuesday pleaded for solidarity in a call to fight world stigma and discrimination against his compatriots.
Guo shared the sentiments on Twitter while acknowledging receipt of a consignment (image below) from businessman and philanthropist Jack Ma meant to complement government efforts in containing the pandemic in Zimbabwe.
Ma donated 20 000 test kits, 100 000 face masks and 1 000 medical use protective suits and face shields to all 54 African states.
“The consignment arrived in Harare and was well received by the government just now.
“It came at a critical and most needed time.
“We are a community. We need solidarity, not discrimination and stigmatization,” said Guo.
Videos of Chinese nationals being forced to disembark from public transport have been circulating on social media.
Images of purported Chinese nationals seeking and being denied medical and funeral assistance have also been trending as more people have concluded the Asians were the source of the virus.
Chinese nationals are facing similar xenophobia across the world.
Guo promised more aid to fight the pandemic will be availed by the Chinese at a time Zimbabwe’s health delivery institutions are on their knees.
Added Guo: “More from the Chinese government and the local Chinese enterprises will come.”
Covid-19, a flu-like virus originated from China’s Wuhan province and has already claimed over 18 000 lives across the globe.
Zimbabwe recorded its first death Monday in Zororo Makamba, a young journalist and son to businessman James Makamba.
His brother Tawanda blamed government’s inadequacy to deal with the virus for his death.
Over 500 cases are being monitored by health authorities as of Tuesday with three confirmed positive cases.
