The following is the remarks made by Consul General Madam Dong Zhihua at the press conference featuring Minderoo Foundation's procurement of medical equipment from China.

(1 April 2020, Perth)

Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am standing here on behalf of Chinese Ambassador Cheng Jingye to Australia to express support and solidarity to Australia and Western Australia. At this extraordinary time, this is extraordinary achievement. It could not have been possible without the concerted efforts by the Chinese Embassy, Andrew himself and Minderoo Foundation as well as FMG and WA state government. Ambassador Cheng has personally overseen the whole process. I would like to congratulate Andrew and his team for this incredible achievement.

This outbreak of COVID-19 has caught us by surprise, proves once again in a no less than tragic way that all mankind lives in a community with a shared future. No country is immune from the outbreak. Only through unity and cooperation can we overcome the difficulties together.

In the face of the pandemic, to help others is to help yourself. The Chinese people will never forget that Andrew and FMG have given us valuable support and assistance during the most difficult period of China's fight against COVID-19. The Chinese nation is grateful and always reciprocates other's kindness. At present, the situation in China is trending steadily towards a positive direction. While guarding the domestic defense against the pandemic, we are also doing our best to provide assistance to other countries in need. What we want to do, what we are going to do and what we have done is to do our very best to help countries and people in need, and work with the international community to save lives and safeguard public health.

After the outbreak, relevant Chinese enterprises returned to work, expanded their production capacity, and worked around the clock to produce medical protection supplies, thus providing a solid logistical support for China's fight against the pandemic. Although the situation in China is getting better and more stable, they are still working overtime day and night to help other countries in urgent need of them to fight the pandemic. This is China fulfilling its role as a responsible major country and the Chinese people making kind and selfless contribution to the global response.

We wish WA and Australia will win the battle against COVID-19 at the earliest possible time and China and Chinese people will stand by your side in the fight. We are all in this together. And we will get through this together. China stands firmly with WA and Australia in the fight against COVID-19.