BOSTON, Oct. 18 -- Visiting Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Saturday agreed to enhance cooperation on fighting the Ebola epidemic, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said here after the talks.

Yang noted that Ebola, which continues to spread in West Africa, has become a threat to the public health and requires concerted efforts by the international community.

China and the United States have their respective advantages in fighting the deadly virus, Yang said, adding China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with the U.S. as well as the international community to help the affected African countries.

The Chinese government has been closely following the development of the epidemic, and has provided assistance to the affected African countries and relative international organizations, Yang noted.

He said that China will continue to support and provide assistance to West Africa in its fight against Ebola, along with the development of the epidemic and the need of the affected countries.

Yang is here to prepare for U.S. President Barack Obama's upcoming visit to China. Obama will also attend the informal leaders' meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Beijing.