China's new ambassador to the United States Qin Gang makes remarks to Chinese and US media upon arrival in the United States on July 28, 2021. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

WASHINGTON - New Chinese ambassador to the United States Qin Gang has called on the two countries to join hands to combat the still-spreading COVID-19 pandemic.

"How about our two countries working together on solutions, e.g. more effective vaccines & helping other countries?" Qin tweeted on Friday.

How about our two countries working together on solutions, e.g. more effective vaccines & helping other countries?

Qin Gang, Chinese ambassador to the United States

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The diplomat arrived in Washington in late July and is in a 14-day self-quarantine in his residence.

He said he is "fine in quarantine," but the rampant spread of the Delta variant is "concerning."

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So far, the world has registered more than 200 million COVID-19 infections and nearly 4.3 million deaths, according to a tally by the Johns Hopkins University.