Chinese government’s strong measures to tackle the spread of
novel coronavirus have received positive reactions from the globe,
with experts noting that joint efforts from the whole international
community are crucial to deal with such a common threat for
humanity
In a report released by Shanghai Institutes for International
Studies (SIIS) on January 31, Chen Dongxiao, President of SIIS
stressed that in the globalisation era, such epidemics as 2019-nCov
have become common threats for humanity that demand joint
efforts from the whole international community.
“This is the time for facts, not fear. This is the time for science, not
rumors. This is the time for solidarity, not stigma,” said Chen,
quoting WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesuson.
According to Chen, despite the daunting tasks faced by China, the
government has take strong measures including the lockdown of
Wuhan and quarantine of other key areas, which are the most
effective means to contain the epidemic from spreading to other
Chinese provinces, or worse, to other parts of the world.
He further noted that under the leadership of the central
government, as well as dedicated efforts from local governments
and the whole society, the nationwide emergency-management
system is beginning to take full effect.
Despite the positive outcomes, Chen warned that the battle against
the novel coronavirus may bring much negative impact on both
China and the world’s economy in the short run under the
circumstances of China’s economic transformation and the
complicated global political and economic landscape. However,
experts from SIIS believe China’s economy will manifest strong
surprising resilience; with the support from international
communities, the Chinese government and people will ultimately
conquer the epidemic and China’s economy will remain robust .
The 2019-nCov epidemic has become a common concern of the
international community. Since the first infection was diagnosed in
Wuhan in December 2019, the novel coronavirus has been
spreading at a speed even beyond the expectation of medical
experts. In response, the Chinese government mandated a
quarantine of the Wuhan city on January 23, 2020; 31 provinces
and municipalities, including Beijing and Shanghai, have also
taken measures on first-level response to this major public health
emergency. The international community has paid close attention
to China’s actions to control the epidemic. On the evening of
January 30, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the
2019-nCov epidemic a “public health emergency of international
concern (PHEIC).”
