The China Coast Guard (CCG) recently conducted a round of medical visits to fishermen operating in the waters near Xianbin Reef of China's Nansha Islands in the South China Sea at their request, providing them with free medical care services by making a use of breaks during their duty of patrol in the vicinity.
In conducting the medical visits, a team of medics aboard CGG vessel Dongmen took small boats to reach the fishermen, offering them basic health checkups, medical consultations and treatment.
"During this round of medical visits, we found out that the fishermen's primary health concerns are related to the respiratory, digestive and circulatory systems. We provided them with timely and effective treatment and distributed medications to them free of charge. While continuing to safeguard the safety of fishermen and sailors during their maritime operations, we plan to carry out regular medical visits, and do our utmost to protect their health," said Fang Zongen, a doctor on board the Dongmen.
China Coast Guard carries out free healthcare services in waters near Xianbin Reef in South China Sea
A welcoming ceremony for two Chinese giant pandas was held on Wednesday at Vienna's Schoenbrunn Zoo, one of the world's oldest zoos, marking the official start of their decade-long stay in Austria for scientific research and as ambassadors of friendship.
The pandas, male He Feng and female Lan Yun, arrived in Austria on April 23.
Addressing the welcoming ceremony, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen highlighted that giant pandas are a symbol of the strong friendship between Austria and China.
"Cooperations like these create trust. They bring nations closer together. We shouldn't underestimate the impact of these seemingly small occasions, despite all the differences that may exist. And the giant pandas are a symbol of the Chinese-Austrian [partnership]," said the president.
Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, who led a delegation to Austria from Sunday to Wednesday, also attended the welcoming ceremony.
"Like ambassadors, they will become mascots of friendship between the two countries and their peoples. The giant panda is a national treasure of China, a jewel in the diversity of the earth's species and a precious treasure of ecological civilization," Li said.
As part of the ceremony, the Schoenbrunn Zoo staged a traditional Chinese lion dance performance to celebrate the pandas' arrival, to the cheers of visitors. Among the crowds were dozens of local school children holding signs reading "warmly welcome" to demonstrate their love for the Chinese giant panda.
"It's a very nice moment today to welcome the bears in Austria in Tiergarten Schoenbrunn," said Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in an interview with the China Global Television Network.
The panda pair's arrival marks the latest 10-year round of the scientific collaboration between China and Austria on giant panda conservation, which started in 2003.
The past years of cooperation saw the birth of five panda cubs in Austria, a record for Europe on breeding, alongside achievements made in disease control, staff training and public education.
Panda pair debuts at Vienna's Schoenbrunn Zoo, receiving warm welcome
