Opinion | Imagine we are not being invaded by COVID-19 but by Aliens, shouldn't the world unite for the common good?
By Augustus K. Yeung
Introduction
Amid COVID-19 and its variant Omicron which has taken away millions of lives, sidelining senior citizens in the thousands, and crippling the world's health and economic systems for two years, the Chinese people like many others all over the world are emotionally drained, wondering when all this is going to end!
On top of this, there is now the ongoing Russo-Ukraine conflict in Eastern Europe, which has taken away many lives and broken many families. Imagine the influx of millions of helpless refugees--among them women, children and old people--into the neighboring borders.
Then came the plane crash in Guangxi, China, taking away the lives of 123 passengers and crew members. This came as the last straw that hit the camel's back.
Fortunately, there are ceaseless condolence messages from dignitaries, organizational leaders and aviation experts from all over the world. This unexpected avalanche of heart-warming moment is a timely shot in the arm, making one feels that there is a lot of comfort and hope in the world, which helps to galvanize our sagging spirit.
First, the Touching Post from the Russian President
"The crash of China Eastern Airlines flight MU5735 on Monday has prompted condolences from around the world," reports Jack Lau for the Post. ("World leaders offer condolences to victims' families". South China Morning Post. Wednesday, March 23, 2020)
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his sympathy via a Weibo post from the embassy in Beijing that read: "Please accept my most heartfelt condolences. Russia feels the pain of those who have lost their families in this tragedy."
Putin and President Xi Jinping established what they called a "no-limits" friendship at a summit ahead of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and have maintained close ties despite extensive sanctions being imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
China Eastern Airlines, one of the country's leading carriers, has yet to make any announcement about casualties. None of the 123 passengers and nine crew have been found so far.
Then Came the Condolences from the US Diplomatic Mission
The US diplomatic mission in China also expressed its deepest condolences. "We are ready to assist in investigation efforts and wish to share our admiration and respect for the emergency responders at the crash site.
"Please accept our heartfelt sympathies at this very difficult time," David Meale, the charge d'affaires, wrote in a statement on the embassy website.
The National Transportation Safety Board, the United States' flight safety regulator, has appointed a representative to help with China's investigation into the cause of the crash.
Boeing, the plane's manufacturer, has also offered to help and is in discussions with the US safety board, which routinely helps foreign investigations into crashes involving US-made or registered planes. The US Federal Aviation Authority and CFM International, the engine manufacturer, are also offering technical advice.
More Messages of Good Will from Taiwan Region and Others
Taiwan's leader Tsai Ing-wen also offered her condolences through a spokesman on Monday night. "This is a very big tragedy and we feel greatly sorry about it. We are willing to give all assistance necessary," the island's premier, Su Tseng-chang, said yesterday.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Twitter he was keeping the families, friends and loves ones of those on board MU5735 in his thoughts.
Leaders in Europe and Asia have also conveyed their sympathies. Italian President Serfio Mattarella sent a letter to Xi expressing condolences on behalf of the Italian people, while British Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote on Twitter that his thoughts were with the families of those caught up in the crash and the emergency response team.
Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, also expressed deep condolences.
Asian Leaders, Including Singapore, India and Pakistan
In Singapore, the foreign ministry expressed "our condolences to the families of the passengers and crew onboard the flight" and offered to support Beijing with search and rescue efforts.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was saddened, writing on Twitter: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the crash and their family members."
Imran Khan, the prime minister of Pakistan, tweeted: "We share the grief of our Chinese brothers and sisters and convey our deepest condolences and sympathies with the bereaved families."
Conclusion
From these touching posts and letters of condolences, we the Chinese people who are mourning the loss of human lives of our fellow nationals feel the various supports, from even countries that have been at logger heads with our government in Beijing, notably the U.S. in America and India in Asia.
All these give us hope that whatever misunderstandings and grievances among nations can be fixed, though not overnight. Most of the strained relations can be restored back to normal if not completely renewed.
I am thinking of Sino-US relations: Our governments may be engaged in trade wars or war of words, but we the peace-loving people, especially the business sector can always make unfailing efforts to patch up the differences or salvage relations created by our government officials.
I am thinking of Sino-Indian relations: Our governments may be temporarily locking horns, but the personal friendship between President Xi Jinping and his admired counterpart, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi can be restored in due course.
I am thinking of Sino-Canadian relations, and more international relations; their leaders, their languages and multiculturism of civility and diversity have never been lost to me, even in dark hours.
Why can't the world's governments talk less of sanctions and containments? Why can't there be more positive and cooperative human endeavors?
Hope is in the air!
The author is a freelance writer; formerly Adjunct Lecturer, taught MBA Philosophy of Management, and International Strategy, and online columnist of 3-D Corner (HKU SPACE), University of Hong Kong.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of DotDotNews.
Read more articles by Augustus K. Yeung:
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