Xi Jinping pledges $2 bln to help fight coronavirus

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Monday that his country would provide $2 billion over two years to help other countries respond to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The leader of the world's second-largest economy, where the disease known as Covid-19 emerged late last year, was speaking via video conferencing at the opening ceremony of a key World Health Organization meeting.

"China will provide $2 billion U.S dollars over two years to help with Covid-19 response, and with economic and social development in affected countries, especially developing countries, "Xi said, via an official English translation.

Xi added that when a vaccine for the disease is available, it "will be made a global public good." Some Chinese companies are at the forefront of development and testing for a Covid-19 vaccine.

The 73rd World Health Assembly, whose annual gathering kicked off on Monday, is a WHO's decision-making body. The meeting of 194 members of the WHO typically occurs in Geneva, Switzerland, where delegates agree upon the organization's leadership, priorities, and budget. This year, due to the coronavirus, the shortened session is set to run virtually between Monday and Tuesday.