Red Cross, red sickle
The Red Cross can count on China's support to help those in need.
On Tuesday, Xi Jinping met
- This is Spoljaric's first official visit to China, and the first by an ICRC president since before the pandemic.
Ahead of her visit, Spoljaric said she had a big ask (ICRC):
- "I look forward to discussing ways to...increase the collaboration between the ICRC and China to bring humanitarian assistance for conflict-affected communities."
She found a receptive audience.
Xi waxed poetic about the value of humanitarian aid (China Daily):
- "Humanitarianism is the greatest consensus that can unite different civilizations."
Then, he got down to brass tacks:
"China is willing to work closely with the [ICRC ]...[in] promoting peace and progress for humanity."
Get this: The big guy said his hopes for global cooperation inspired him to put forward the Belt and Road Initiative, and his new Global Development Initiative.
Get smart: For decades, Beijing focused on development challenges at home, and copped criticism for limited foreign aid contributions.
- That's changing as China increasingly looks to establish itself as
a leader in a multipolar world.
Get smarter: The ICRC is famously neutral – but if Beijing steps up cooperation in a big way, the organization could face increasing politicization in the West.
Just ask the World Health Organization.