One of the significant developments in globalization over the past 15 years has been China's growing political and economic ties with the global south. They have large investments in Africa and a substantial number of Chinese nationals working there. As the US and Western European nations have begun to establish aid missions to assist in combating the ebola epidemic in West Africa there have been questions raised as to whether China would make a comparable contribution. Those questions are now receiving a response.
China to build Ebola hospital in Liberia
China plans to build a 100-bed medical centre in Liberia to combat Ebola, officials announced on Thursday, after criticism that the country is not doing enough to fight the disease.
China will send 1,000 aid workers to Ebola-affected areas “in the months to come”, and has already sent 252 people to the three hardest-hit countries – Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone – since the deadly virus broke out in March, the official newswire Xinhua reported on Wednesday.
Foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei elaborated on the announcement at a regular press conference on Thursday afternoon. “In Liberia, we will build a 100-bed medical centre,” he said. “On 9 November, 160 medical workers will set off for Liberia.” He added that 320 additional workers would arrive at the centre at a later date.
“All the construction materials, construction workers and medical workers are in place,” he said. The centre is scheduled to open in 30 days.
Hong said: “Many countries have evacuated their diplomatic personnel, aid workers and enterprises from affected areas. However, there are still several thousand Chinese people working there.”