China commits to developing 'Healthy China'

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The Chinese government is committed to promoting the development of a "Healthy China" and is continually improving Chinese people's health and well-being through development, Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan said Tuesday.

Wang made his remarks when meeting with World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in Beijing Tuesday.

Speaking highly of the cooperation between China and the WHO, Wang said China appreciates the critical role played by the WHO in coordinating global health development and supports WHO in promoting the implementation of health-related Sustainable Development Goals at all levels.

"China is willing to further strengthen cooperation with the WHO and contribute to the development of global health," said Wang.

The WHO director-general said the organization would continue to firmly adhere to the one-China principle and deepen the strategic cooperation between the two sides under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and South-South cooperation.

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Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi also met with the WHO director-general on Tuesday and commented the UN health agency's efforts in promoting health care in developing countries.

He said China welcomes and attaches great importance to the role that the WHO has played in coordinating universal medical services.

Wang added that the country will continue to support the agency's work.

"I think in recent months you and your colleagues, along with support from the international community, have made great strides in promoting global health care; and the WHO plays an important role in the process. As a partner and member of the WHO, China welcomes and will continue to support the agency's work."

Wang also pointed out that China stands ready to "synergize healthcare cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and the framework of China-Africa cooperation, as well as building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, as stated in China's two centenary goals, with the WHO's strategic plans for the next five years, to support global healthcare development and benefit future generations."

The WHO chief expressed his appreciation for China's lasting support in the global healthcare cause, and the willingness of the WHO to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with the WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Tuesday, July 17, 2018. /MOFA Photo

This is the UN official's second visit to China since taking the job.

(With inputs from Xinhua)