Chinese Company Ships Crates of Masks to Italy Covered in Roman Poetry: ‘We Are Leaves of the Same Tree’

(TMU) — A popular Chinese consumer electronics company has shipped crates full of tens of thousands of respirator masks to Italy, stressing that the losses faced by the people of Italy due to the coronavirus epidemic are painful for all of humankind.

The Chinese tech company, Xiaomi, sent the shipments of FFP3 masks to the Italian Civil Protection Department, the government body responsible for coordinating the distribution of resources to local authorities, reports China Daily.

The crates were covered in flyers bearing the Xiaomi “Mi” logo and quotes from the poetry of ancient Roman philosopher Seneca that read:

We are waves of the same sea, leaves of the same tree, flowers of the same garden.

Siamo onde dello stesso mare, foglie dello stesso albero, fiori dello stesso giardino

Italy continues to stand firmly as the epicenter of the global crisis, exceeding even China’s death toll last week despite its much smaller population.

Xiaomi International has become a very popular global brand in recent years, with consumers flocking to the company for its ability to produce flagship phones for a competitive price, as well as excellent mid-range and budget phones with nearly flagship quality. The eccentric company also makes a number of other devices ranging from electric scooters to rice cookers, air conditioners, “smart” mini washing machines, and even tennis shoes.

On its Facebook post announcing the donation, the company said that the action was a result of the company’s feeling of responsibility to the people of Italy who enthusiastically embraced the brand when it entered the local market two years ago.

The post noted:

“Since we arrived two years ago, we have felt loved and deeply integrated into the life of the country. This is also why we felt a duty to support Italy in the management of the COVID-19 epidemic, by donating a first important quantity of FFP3 masks.”

Chew Shou Zi, CFO and president of International Xiaomi Corporation, said in a statement:

“The continuous growth and rapid expansion of Xiaomi in Italy are closely linked to our users, fans and the general public; this gesture therefore does not represent only a way to thank and to give our support, but it is the tangible demonstration that we feel like an integral part of this country. And it is precisely this sense of belonging, combined with deep solidarity, that imposes a high sense of responsibility on all citizens as a global company.”

Users greeted the move, with one commenting:

 “I’m happy to see that humanity is still alive. Great quote, btw.” 

While another replied:

 “Xiaomi is a different kind of corporation; it’s a community, a global community making a true difference in the world.”

Over 6,500 Italians test positive for CoViD-19 every day, with the average age of those dying standing at 78.5 years.

Over the weekend, at least 1,400 people died in Italy as the country races to control the horrific spread of the novel virus. On Sunday, an additional 651 Italians died, bringing the death toll to at least 5,400.

By Elias Marat | Creative Commons | TheMindUnleashed.com