The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, yesterday denied allegations that China was supplying faulty tests kits and surgical masks to countries fighting the Coronavirus pandemic and said several countries including the United States, had placed orders for millions of masks and test kits in their battle against the virus.
An official from the Embassy told Daily Mirror that the recent donation of surgical masks and test kits to Sri Lanka's Health Ministry to fight the COVID-19, was of the highest standards as it was supplied by licensed, qualified suppliers.
The official explained that these test kits and masks had to undergo several quality checks and it was only manufacturers holding the required certifications
who were permitted to supply these items to the Chinese government. He said there was no doubt regarding the quality of the products being donated by China to countries fighting the pandemic.
He further stated that when countries wished to import more test kits and masks from Chinese companies, the standard protocol was that the buyer would first check the license and certificates of the seller and notify the Chinese authorities, and only then would they place the order.
However, in the present context, where countries had complained of faulty test kits and masks, the official said China had received reports that there were a few isolated unlicensed businessmen who had manufactured products to earn quick cash and they were now identified and under investigation by the Chinese authorities.
"There were a few isolated cases, that some businessmen wanting to earn quick money produced fake products. But they are currently under investigation. These are isolated incidents which we have dealt with but that does not mean all Chinese products are faulty. 99 percent of the products are of high quality and China will continue to donate to countries in need," the Embassy official said.
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