China has never stymied the export of COVID-19 materials: Official

Medical supplies at an airport in the China-Russia border city of Manzhouli in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 17, 2020. /Xinhua

China has never restricted the export of prevention materials amid the battle against the COVID-19, an official with the Ministry of Commerce said at a press briefing on Sunday.

"Many countries spoke highly of the anti-epidemic materials from China and expressed thanks in various ways. The epidemic prevention materials produced in China are delivered to countries and regions that need them the most at the fastest speed every day," said Li Xingqian, head of the Department of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Commerce.

"We sincerely hope people all over the world can get through the difficulties as soon as possible. The so-called 'China restricts exports' is completely misunderstood," said Li.

Medical supplies exports expand steadily

The channels for commercial procurement of anti-epidemic materials in China by all countries are completely unblocked, said Li. As of Saturday, 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China have exported epidemic prevention materials to 191 countries and regions through market-based procurement.

The commerce ministry, together with relevant departments, has actively supported related areas with medical supplies such as demand matching, logistics, export customs clearance, and standard certification.

On April 24, China exported 1.06 billion masks, a 3.7-fold-growth compared to 224 million masks exported on March 31.

The second batch of medical aid offered by the Chinese government to Senegal arrives in Dakar, April 22, 2020. /Xinhua

Tighten quality control on medical supplies

On Saturday, the Ministry of Commerce, together with the General Administration of Customs and the State Administration for Market Regulation issued a joint announcement to further supervise the quality of medical supplies; the previous announcement was issued on March 31.

The quality of medical supplies has a direct bearing on the health of people around the world as well as China's national reputation and anti-epidemic capabilities, said Li.

"As the global epidemic continues to spread, the overseas demand for anti-epidemic materials has expanded rapidly. The Chinese government has done its utmost to provide support and assistance to the international community while meeting the demands of domestic epidemic prevention and control," said Li.