China plans to install robotic labs against COVID-19 in Indian subcontinent

As part of its technological cooperation, Beijing is extending robotic testing labs to foreign nations in attempts to garner support against the intensified criticism by western countries over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic

New Delhi:  After supplying faulty novel coronavirus (COVID-19) test kits to the world, China is now reportedly planning to install robotic testing facilities in several nations. The decision to provide Chinese technology comes as an attempt to neutralize the growing criticism by western countries over Beijing’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis. China has intensified its dialogues and cooperation with almost three dozen countries, including Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Afghanistan.

According to reports, Beijing is promoting the establishment of nucleic acid testing facilities called ‘Fire Eye’ developed by a private Chinese medical research company in these countries. China claims that the state-of-the-art facilities will assist these nations in expanding their COVID-19 testing to better trace and containment of the pandemic.

These facilities involve robotic procedures of extracting nucleic acid automatically, 10 times faster than a lab operator and with a smaller the margin of error. The procedure uses a barcode marking of samples, in order to eliminate mistakes, and it has a biosafety level P2 or BSL-2, meaning that its precautions include limited access, specific training in handling pathogens, negative air pressure isolating the lab from its surroundings and other measures.

Reports indicate that two ‘Fire Eye’ facilities have been successfully installed in Belgrade city of Serbia. The Chinese medical-research company, which owns the labs, has claimed on its official social media account that the entire robotic lab was built in just five days.

Serbian officials and medical experts are reportedly commending the Chinese technological assistance. They said that the ‘Fire Eye’ lab has helped them standardize the testing process for COVID-19, wherein more than 1,000 tests are carried out every day accurately. It has also ensured streamlining of the process, and complete protection of the staff from the infection.

In order to install the labs on Serbian lands, China donated 570,000 euros for the project. The entire project is valued at 700,000 euros.

Chinese Diplomats Extending Technological Cooperation Projects

According to sources, Beijing diplomats deputed in Chinese embassies across Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Afghanistan are reportedly offering their host nations a ‘technological cooperation’, which was extended to Serbia.

Chinese diplomats are holding dialogues with ministers and government officers to provide robotic testing facilities for COVID-19 detection under Government-to-Government ties.

Tweets and social media posts uploaded by various Chinese diplomats and government appointees claim that they have discussed the possibility of installing scientific research and technological advancements from Beijing for the host country in their attempts to control the pandemic.

Chinese President Xi Jinping in his telephonic conversation with Nepalese President, Bidya Devi Bhandari had also offered a similar assistance to Kathmandu. Reports published by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also indicate that medical teams from Beijing have completed successful ‘medical projects and awareness camps’ of COVID-19 testing and research in Pakistan, Afghanistan, the Maldives, and Bangladesh.

No Silver Bullet with China

However, foreign affairs experts on China claim that the extension of technological cooperation by Beijing is a failed effort to garner support against an intensified western uproar.

“China lost its credibility with the world and especially with western media with the outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan. The offerings of free or minimal cost test kits, PPEs, and now technological assistance through robotic labs is an attempt to regain the trust of these small states. These nations are not only loyal to Beijing’s leadership but also are trapped under China’s debt,” Dr Rohidas Mundhe, faculty of Mumbai University expert on China said.

While questioning the credibility and accuracy of the Chinese technology, Mundhe added that China could be wanting to flex its scientific muscles in front of the world looking for a silver bullet against the pandemic.

“It is not easy to invent technology in such a short duration, even for a country like China. I think this new technology is merely a replacement of the earlier procedure,” he claimed.