China warms North Korea’s heart in the fight against Covid-19

“Goverment China Closely monitor the epidemic in North Koreamaintain contact with Pyongyang and protect the life and health of Chinese citizens,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian on May 13.

Mr. Trieu Lap Kien reiterated that Beijing is ready to help North Korea overcome the SARS-CoV-2 crisis, after the country declared a national emergency.

“As a comrade, neighbor and friend, China is ready to fully support and support North Korea in the fight against the epidemic,” Kien stressed.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman added that the two countries have a good tradition of helping each other. Beijing is deeply grateful for North Korea’s “unwavering support” since the pandemic first broke out and deeply sympathizes with the country’s current situation.

A medical worker sprays disinfectant against Covid-19 in a shop in Pyongyang. Photo: AP

China’s assertion comes in the context that North Korea is declaring a national emergency after detecting a positive case with SARS-CoV-2.

Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that up to 18,000 people were found to have fever symptoms on May 12. About 350,000 people have reported similar symptoms since the end of April, of which 187,800 are still being treated in isolation. The latest outbreak is centered around the capital, Pyongyang.

KCNA also said that 6 people died after having a fever, including one positive case for the Omicron variant. The fever cases are of unknown cause and it is not clear how many cases of fever are caused by Covid-19.

North Korea doesn’t appear to have enough Covid-19 testing equipment, and a major outbreak could hit a nation of about 28 million people that apparently hasn’t been immunized. South China Morning Post.

China is North Korea’s main trading partner. However, the world’s most populous country is also battling outbreaks of the Omicron variant in many cities, notably Shanghai and Beijing.