Pierre Ryter, Head of the East Asia Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), delivers a speech during the symposium to mark the 150th Anniversary of the 1864 Geneva Convention and the International Red Cross/ Red Crescent Movement in Beijing, China, 29 August 2014. A symposium themed on the 150th Anniversary of the Geneva Convention has been held in Beijing on Saturday (29 August 2014). It was jointly hosted by the International Red Cross Committee and China's Foreign Ministry. China's Foreign Vice Minister Wang Chao says China is promoting and practicing all 4 conventions, and is fully committed in carrying out all responsibilities according to humanitarian law. Vice Minister Wang Chao says "China has been actively participating in bilateral and multi-lateral aid programs. From 2010 to 2012, China provided humanitarian funds up to 1.5 billion RMB to thirty disaster stricken countries." "Since the Ebola outbreak, China has provided relief up to 34 million RMB to affected countries in West Africa. Three medical teams were sent to cope with the outbreak." he added. While addressing China's contribution to the humanitarian relief work, President of the ICRC Peter Maurer expressed hopes that China and ICRC can continue cooperation. "Given the growing importance of China in global affairs and its constant interest in humanitarian actions, my wish, as the President of the ICRC, is to see my organization and China developing a strong strategic partnership on humanitarian affairs." Back in 1864, a treaty was signed by 12 states to enshrine the obligation to spare and protect wounded soldiers and the people and equipment involved in their care. It also marks the birth of modern-day international humanitarian law. China joined the Geneva Convention in 1904.
