The Chinese Embassy, together with the China Mammoth Foundation, has donated some 2,000 coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) test kits to the Philippines.

In an interview, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian said the 2,000 “fast test kits” comprise the first batch of test kits that China donated to the Philippines.

“We will be donating personal protective equipment like protective clothing, facial masks as well, and it will be announced,” Xilian said.

He said the high-tech test kits, also known as BGI RT-qCPR test kits, was developed by China BGI Group, and are capable of providing “reliable results” in three hours.

The test kits have also been exported to more than 50 countries like Japan, Thailand, Brunei, Egypt, Peru and the United Arab Emirates.

“We have taken note of all the measures implemented by your government and your inter-agency task force, and we believe that only under the leadership of Duterte administration we’ll be able to overcome this and we fully support the efforts of the government and your people fighting the epidemic,” Xilian said.

He also thanked the national government “for the help it has extended to China during its difficult times”, urging the Filipinos to stand in solidarity with everyone fighting Covid-19.

“The Chinese government and people sympathize greatly with (the) Philippines (and) are willing to lend a helping hand. China has been sharing to the Philippines our anti-epidemic experiences, carrying out close medical experts-level cooperation with your country,” he added.

In a report by the state-run news agency Xinhua, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin in a phone conversation that “China is willing to do its utmost to help the Philippines in fighting against Covid-19”.

Wang added that China would share its control and prevention strategies and provide assistance with other countries so they can focus on their own control and prevention efforts. (PNA)