PALIKIR, Pohnpei—On November 25th, 2021, the Honorable Marcus Samo— ecretary of the Department of Health & Social Affairs of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)—received on behalf of the Nation a donation of $150,000 from the People’s Republic of China (China) in a handover ceremony with His Excellency Huang Zheng, Ambassador of China to the FSM. The donation comes as a result of the first-ever China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers Meeting held on October 21st, 2021. This donation is the fourth direct cash donation to the FSM from China over the course of the COVID-19 Pandemic and is sourced from the China-Pacific Island Country Cooperation Fund Against COVID-19.
Consistent with previous donations from China and other friends, allies, and development partners, the FSM National Government will use the donation to purchase necessary medical supplies and equipment.
In his remarks, Ambassador Huang updated the FSM National Government with regards to recent events in China. The Ambassador described the recent Sixth Plenary Session of the Communist Party of China, which defined the guiding role of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and the Chinese philosophy of Xi Jinping Thought.
“China will always stand on the right side of history and the right side of human progress,” Ambassador Huang said. “China is a defender of world peace, a contributor to global development, and an upholder of the international order. …This is the fourth time that China has donated in cash to help the FSM fight against the COVID-19 Pandemic, and this donation comes from a fund set up by China to help the Pacific Island Countries, including the FSM, to fight COVID.”
Ambassador Huang emphasized that the donation is a reflection of the FSM-China Great Friendship.
In his remarks, Secretary Samo said “Ambassador, you’ve spoken at length about the friendship our two countries enjoy, and that friendship remains unshaken and is even more solid than before. We thank you for this gesture, and this gesture of your donation speaks loudly, and will support the great work effort that we’re trying to do with this Pandemic.”
“As you know, when the Pandemic unfolded, the FSM—like any other country—struggled in terms of trying to put the pieces together, in terms of a response in what it needs to do in preventing the virus from coming to our shore. I think today, in reflection, you would agree with me that we’ve done a great job, but not without a great challenge. The fact of the matter is that we still remain OVID-19 free, and that is the testament to the great work that this administration and all of its partners have put together to protect the health of this nation.”
“This particular donation you’ve extended will definitely support our obligation in terms of paying for those expenses we’ve now incurred in Guam, and also when it comes to quarantine at home. …Your donation comes a long way, and so I take this time to formally, on behalf of His Excellency David W. Panuelo and the Honorable Yosiwo P. George, extend their appreciation, and the FSM’s appreciation, for this donation.”
China has previously donated direct cash assistance to help the FSM fight the COVID-19 Pandemic on three separate occasions. The first donation was $100,000 in April of 2020; the second donation, given to Pohnpei State Government directly from China, was for $20,000; and the third donation was $50,000. Other significant donations from China include containerized medical isolation units, extensive amounts of personal protective equipment (PPE), and virtual trainings.
The FSM-China Great Friendship began on September 11th, 1989, when the FSM and China established diplomatic relations with each other.
