Since China dispatched its first overseas medical support team to Algeria in 1963, approximately 30,000 medical personnel have treated 290 million cases in 76 countries and regions across five continents, with a focus on Africa. Active in remote areas with harsh conditions, Chinese medical teams make every effort to contribute to local healthcare and wellbeing. 

Medical services are an important part of the assistance China offers to other developing countries. It is an example of the country's commitment to building a global community of health for all. This idea, first proposed by President

Xi Jinping in 2020 at a time when managing the COVID-19 pandemic topped the global agenda, calls on all countries to make concerted efforts to address public health challenges.

Over the past decades, China has developed advanced technologies and gained clinical experience, lending it an advantage in assisting other countries. While curing patients, Chinese medical teams have helped train local health workers and improve host countries' medical service standards.

The People's Liberation Army Navy's hospital ship Peace Ark also deserves attention. In the past 15 years since entering service, it has crossed three oceans, visiting 43 countries and regions along the way, and offered 250,000 free medical treatments. The Peace Ark is China's first domestically developed 10,000-ton-level hospital ship and can accommodate roughly 1,000 patients at once.

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic that threatened global public health security, China has sent 37 expert teams to 34 countries, provided more than 2.2 billion COVID-19 vaccines to more than 120 countries and international organizations, and offered huge quantities of anti-pandemic supplies to 153 countries and 15 international organizations, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. By taking these concrete actions, China has guided the direction and fostered solidarity for global anti-pandemic cooperation.

Since its very beginning, China's health assistance has been welcomed by recipient countries. In the spirit of building a global community of health for all, China is poised to continue engaging in global health cooperation. Medical aid will remain a long-term commitment of China for the betterment of the wellbeing of all those in need.