The official said the planes traveled to Taoxian International Airport in Shenyang, northeast China’s Liaoning Province.
Since May 12, North Korea has reported nearly two million cases of “fever”, with state media describing it as a “major national emergency” and authorities scrambling to respond.
After the first cases were announced, China said it was ready to provide full support “as comrades, neighbors and friends” to North Korea. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said the two countries have “remarkable traditions of mutual assistance”.
According to the World Health Organization, North Korea has not yet established a program of vaccination against the Covid-19 virus, which puts its population at risk. The country’s crumbling healthcare system also lacks the medicines and supplies needed to combat the Covid-19 outbreak.
The situation has alarmed international bodies, with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights warning on Tuesday that the outbreak – and the restrictions imposed – could have a “devastating impact on the human rights situation in the country”.
Human Rights Watch also expressed concern, urging the United Nations and governments around the world to “make every effort to persuade North Korea to allow foreign humanitarian assistance.”
The South Korean government said it has offered North Korea assistance, including medicines, vaccines and other medical supplies, but has yet to receive any response.
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