By Wu Gang, People’s Daily
On March 11, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) announced the country’s
effort to contribute to the global response of COVID-19 in five areas.
During a regular press conference, MFA spokesperson Geng Shuang was asked that
what will China do to help enhancing international epidemic response.
The spokesperson replied that thanks to the Chinese people's united and arduous
efforts, the situation in China is getting better, with prevention and control efforts
resulting in important progress at this stage. Meanwhile the epidemic broke out in
many places across the world and keeps spreading, and some countries are suffering
gravely from it. While combating COVID-19 at home, China is ready to contribute to
the global response.
Geng Shuang further announced China’s detailed efforts in following five areas:
First, China will step up communication and coordination with the WHO and the
international community.
Exchange of information is an important part of a joint global response. After the
virus outbreak, China shared its genetic sequence with the WHO at the earliest time
possible and notified other countries in a timely manner.
With openness, transparency and a high sense of responsibility for global public
health security and people's well-being, the country will continue information-sharing
with the international community including the WHO. China will also strive to
enhance coordination and cooperation to advance joint response at regional and global
levels to stem the spread of the virus.
Second, China will continue experience-sharing and exchange with other countries.
The country has so far published seven guidelines on COVID-19 diagnosis and
treatment and six guidelines on prevention and control, all of which have been
translated into multiple foreign languages. China would like to share these Chinese
solutions with the world and hold exchanges over them.
Chinese officers and medical experts have discussed their work against the epidemic
in video conferences with the European Union, ASEAN, African Union, Caribbean
Community, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, South Pacific island countries,
Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Georgia and others. They will continue
exchanges and mutual learning with each other to jointly enhance regional and global
capacity in safeguarding public health security.
Third, China will send medical specialists to more countries and regions in need.
China’s Red Cross Society has sent experts to Iran and Iraq, where they conducted
intensive work and were acclaimed by local authorities and people. The country is
planning to send medical experts to Italy as well and stand ready to help more
countries in need in this way.
Fourth, China will provide medicines and other supplies to the international
community.
Humanity shines through the dark cloud of the epidemic. China has decided to donate
$20 million to the WHO. China has provided some countries with masks, medicines,
protective suits and other supplies and exported medical supplies and equipment to
those in urgent need of them.
China’s Sub-national governments and civil organizations are all extending a helping
hand overseas. While fighting hard against the epidemic at home, China is ready to
offer as much help as they can to countries in need.
Fifth, China will ramp up cooperation with the international community on science
and technology. China would like to collaborate with other countries in medicines,
vaccines and testing reagents, contributing China's wisdom and proposals to securing
an early global victory over the virus.
China will contribute to the global fight in these five areas. It will work with the
international community with solidarity and mutual assistance to overcome the
epidemic.
