This is the first part of a two-part series on Chinese philanthropists and their efforts abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic. While Part 1 focuses on overseas philanthropic actions by Chinese donors and their impact, part 2 examines implications for international philanthropy and development beyond the pandemic period. — Written by Liu He The Newcomers? Waiting at Cotonou Airport was Benin’s Minister of Health, Benjamin Hounpatin, greeting not a state visit by foreign leaders but medical supplies donated by the Jack Ma Foundation. The shipment contained 20,000 diagnostic kits, 100,000 masks, and 1,000 sets of protective suits, with additional deliveries scheduled…