On 5 April 2020, Ambassador Song Yumin's signed article titled A friend in need is a friend indeed...China gives back to T&T in COVID-19 fight was published by Trinidad and Tobago Guardian. Here is the full text of the article:

Currently, the COVID-19 outbreak is spreading worldwide, posing enormous threat to life and health of people and bringing formidable challenge to global public health security. Here, I would like to quote what President Xi Jinping said at the Extraordinary G20 Leaders' Summit, "... it is imperative for the international community to strengthen confidence, act with unity and work together in a collective response. We must comprehensively step up international cooperation and foster greater synergy so that humanity as one could win the battle against such a major infectious disease."

Major infectious disease is the enemy of all. We need to be resolute in fighting an all-out global war against the COVID-19 outbreak. From day one of China's fight against the outbreak, the Chinese government has put people's life and health first and acted according to the overall principle of shoring up confidence, strengthening unity, ensuring science-based control and treatment and imposing targeted measures. We have mobilized the whole nation, set up collective control and treatment mechanisms and acted with openness and transparency. What we fought was a people's war against the outbreak. We have put up a strenuous struggle and made tremendous sacrifices. Now the situation in China is moving steadily in a positive direction. Life and work are quickly returning to normal. Guided by the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, China is more than ready to share its good practices, conduct joint research and development of drugs and vaccines, and provide assistance where we can to countries hit by the growing outbreak.

When the coronavirus epidemic first surfaced in China two months ago, the Government and people of T&T immediately extended valuable support to us with strong messages and donation of medical supplies. A friend in need is a friend indeed. It is the testimony to the strong bonds long-lasting between our two nations and a testimony to our genuine friendship.

Starting from march 12 when the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in T&T, China has been following the situation very closely. We commend T&T Government for its swift actions at the very early stage of the outbreak, its decisive and effective measure taken in due course, and its strong resolution to prevail. We believe, under the leadership of the T&T government and with the joints efforts of its people, T&T will ultimately win the war against the outbreak.

As a true friend and a cooperation partner, China will always remember and cherish the friendship of T&T. China has been and will be reciprocating the same kindness from the T&T side in various ways. We have mobilized resources from both the public and the private sectors in China to provide our help. Up to now, 4,000 real-time fluorescent RT-PCR test kits and 15 sets of Body Temperature Measurement Systems for airports, sea ports and other applicable venues have been officially handed over to the T&T side. More test kits and personal protective equipment like masks and coveralls are on the way and will be handed over soon. Also, the Embassy is helping to set up connections between the T&T government and manufacturers in China for purchase of medical equipment and supplies in urgent need for containing the virus.

Apart from the aforementioned assistance in kind, China always stands ready to share technical information and experience with T&T. In March 23 and March 26, two video conferences on prevention and control of COVID 19 were held. One was between medical officials and professionals of T&T and China and the other with Shanghai Municipality. Moreover, China has set up its online COVID-19 knowledge center which is open to all countries (https://covid19.21wecan.com/covid19en/index.shtml). We have also provided brochures on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of COVID 19 pneumonia to the Ministry of Health of T&T.

The COVID-19 outbreak is a global challenge. Now is a crucial moment, a time for us to rise up to challenge and act with swiftness. We need science, reason and cooperation more than ever to work as a whole. I am convinced that through solidarity and mutual assistance, we will prevail over this outbreak and we all will embrace a brighter future for mankind!