The four countries had previously extended their understanding and support during the most difficult time in the Chinese people's domestic fight against the virus.

Lin Songtian, president of the association, says solidarity and cooperation meets fundamental and common interests, and therefore the common expectation of people of China and the world at large. It is the only right choice to battle against the pandemic.

Lin was the Chinese ambassador to South Africa from 2017 until March, and has just assumed his new post at the association.

Since the coronavirus outbreak, the association and its subordinate China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development have been raising funds and material supplies among multilevel government bodies, enterprises, organizations and individuals.

Medical supplies worth more than 8 million yuan, including masks, protective suits, antibacterial spray and testing kits, have been collected and sent to foreign organizations in eight countries, namely, the United States, Italy, Spain, Romania, Iran, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan, under the association's efforts.

Chen Guangbiao, chairman of the board of the Jiangsu Huangpu Recycling Resources Co Ltd, says, besides protective medical supplies, the company's donation includes equipment for two mask production lines.