Letter from locked-down Italy: the Cuban, Russian and Chinese efforts to assist Lombardy

[steve2470]

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/letter-from-locked-down-italy-the-cuban-russian-and-chinese-efforts-to-assist-lombardy-2020-03-25?mod=article_inline

The Chinese arrived first. A China Eastern Airbus A-350 from Shanghai touched down at Rome’s semideserted international airport. It was March 12.

snip

The Americans, on the other hand, have been more discreet with their aid. In fact, the U.S. intervention has been almost invisible to most of the public. Washington did send a makeshift hospital with eight intensive-care units to Cremona, in the north of Italy, as well as resources and supplies to boost a specialist center at one of the most important hospitals in Rome.

snip

President Vladimir Putin went all-in, with great fanfare, and “no strings attached,” as his spokesperson put it. Russia sent 14 Ilyushin military aircraft filled with doctors and resources to fight the epidemic. That included 100 virologists and other specialists in infectious diseases, as well as mobile units to deep clean public transport and other open spaces.

snip

In the game of Risk sparked by the coronavirus, Cuba couldn't be excluded, given that regime’s long-held strategy of making health care a priority — and using it as an effective diplomatic tool.

The Cuban team left Havana’s airport bathed in the clapping of tourists and flanked by Cuban and Italian flags: 37 doctors and 15 nurses. They arrived on Sunday at Milan’s Malpensa Airport and will be based in one of the temporary hospitals set up by the Italian army in Crema, one of the areas that has suffered the most from COVID-19.

Ronald Reagan must be rolling over in his grave.

[Igel]

1. Discrete vs PR megablitz.

Did they mention the Chinese supply aid came with an invoice?

[Turin_C3PO]

2. So three authoritarian countries

are being more helpful than the supposed “greatest country on Earth”.

Heckavu Job, Trumpie!