Federation of Chinese Associations Tasmania Incorporated denies claims it sent thousands of face masks to China

A Tasmanian group raising funds to fight coronavirus in Wuhan has hit back at claims it shipped personal protective equipment out of the state.

A TASMANIAN-based Chinese group has hit back at claims it sent thousands of face masks to coronavirus place-of-origin, Wuhan.

The Mercury last week reported the Federation of Chinese Associations Tasmania Incorporated shipped mass loads of protective face masks to China, following revelations made through a social media post which praised FOCAT secretary-general Yang Kai “for donating 16,000 masks to the Wuhan medical teams”.

WHY TASSIE MASKS ARE BEING SENT OFF TO CHINA

FOCAT executive Dai Yi Wang on Friday said while a COVID-19 online fundraiser for Wuhan was created, no PPE was shipped.

“A total of eight WeChat posts were published, and on 22 February the finalising donation statement indicated that a total of $27,418.50 Australian dollars was raised,” he said.

“For various reasons, medical supplies were not purchased, but all cash donations received were donated to the frontline hospitals in China.”

Mr Yi Wang said FOCAT had always maintained its status as an independent organisation and had operated in isolation away from any government support or advice locally or in China.

He said the group’s fundraising for China was in line with its relief efforts.

“Based on the principle of unity, mutual assistance, and harmonious mutual progress, FOCAT has served the wider community extensively and has organised fundraising activities for the Australian bushfires,” he said.