Coronavirus: Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing donates HK$100 million to China’s efforts to fight deadly outbreak
- Since last week, Wharf Holdings, entertainment group Emperor, New World China Land Limited, Swire Group, Hang Lung Properties and Henderson Land have each donated 10 million yuan to fight the coronavirus outbreak
- Beijing’s liaison office in city declares contributions show Hong Kong people’s great care and concern about motherland, while one critic says offering money is less efficient than buying supplies such as masks
Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing has chipped in HK$100 million to China’s efforts to combat the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus in Wuhan – the city at the epicentre of the outbreak – that has claimed more than 900 lives and infected over 40,000 people on the mainland alone.
The Li Ka Shing Foundation, a charitable organisation founded by the Hong Kong billionaire, announced the donation on Monday.
In a brief statement, the foundation said the contribution was made “through the [central government’s liaison office] in support of the frontline health care professionals battling the novel coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan”.
The office is Beijing’s representative in Hong Kong.
The foundation was also sourcing supplies around the world to help medical workers in Hong Kong and Wuhan, a spokesman said.
The founder of real-estate, telecoms and ports conglomerate CK group is among the Hong Kong tycoons, as well as some pro-Beijing figures, offering money to charities, hospitals and local governments in mainland China to combat the outbreak.