Chongqing- At China’s National Commendation Ceremony for fighting against the COVID-19 epidemic, Zhipeng Xu, the Chongqing Foreign Affairs Office's first-level chief officer, was awarded the "National Advanced Individual in Fighting against the COVID-19 Epidemic". The ceremony is a recognition of every individual's effort in the battle against the epidemic, as well as the fact that China has achieved a phased victory.

According to Xu, in the country's hard-fought war against COVID-19, he successfully worked in the community investigation team, the international flight support team, the international cooperation team, and the Palestinian anti-epidemic medical expert team followed by the lead of the Chinese government. Xu has completed a wide variety of tasks assigned by the government.

During Xu's stay in Palestine, he undertook the external liaison work with the Chinese Office in Palestine and the Palestinian Ministry of Health. He played an important role in applying his professional expertise. Specifically, he provided professional and accurate translation services for the anti-epidemic medical expert team, ensuring the relevant foreign aid tasks can be carried out smoothly and effectively.

“In the midst of the crisis, I watched some news on television, that some of the medical teams have been organized by the State Medical Commission or Health Commission, and one team had been sent from Sichuan to help Italy to tide over the COVID-19 crisis, ” said Xu. “I have been deeply moved and motivated by those figures who plunge into the water, plunge into the crisis, to help people in need.” 

When the opportunity came across in May, Xu played his part with no hesitation. He helped Palestine people, who need to learn better about the Chinese prevention method and expertise, to tide over the COVID-19 crisis.

Since May, Xu has been encouraged to learn everything about the COVID-19 epidemic and be familiar with the basics of epidemic prevention and control management, diagnosis, treatment, and nursing. He also memorized many English medical vocabularies related to the COVID-19 epidemic, which helped him form a solid knowledge foundation for doing the relevant work.

“Within the 14 days, I have familiarised myself with the terminologies and also some basic knowledge of the treatment and the diagnosis of COVID-19,” said Xu. “therefore, I have full confidence to assist those medical officers, and also the doctors and nurses in Palestine in knowing our Chinese experiences, and also clinical experiences.”

While Xu is working with the Palestinian anti-epidemic medical expert team, he worked an average of more than 16 hours a day. He undertook 15 professional technical exchange meetings, 8 on-site technical guidance, and 13 special training on-site interpretation work. Furthermore, he visited local hospitals, laboratories, research institutes, and other medical and health care organizations more than 20 times, assisting in training 500 people in total.

“I'm always aware that we are representing our country, we are representing China, and there is a high criterion or standard there,” said Xu. “We are always bearing in mind the eagerness of the Palestinian people to know better about our expertise. We would love to spread our expertise to those who need them.”

Xu believes the experience of carrying expertise and knowledge to aid in Palestine has been a very precious memory to him. He will deem this as an intense training process and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. “I think I won't be intimidated by any difficulties in life,” he smiled.