China’s experience in battle against COVID-19 brings hope to the world (3)

Joint international effort is the only way to victory over coronavirus

Chinese medical professionals are sent to Italy to help the country tackle COVID-19. (Photo by Xinhua)

Since the outbreak, China has actively cooperated and exchanged information with the WHO and other countries, quickly sharing with them the full genome sequences of the new virus after the pathogen was identified on Jan. 7.

Ever since the outbreak, Chinese President Xi Jinpinghas held phone conversations with 16 foreign leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and US President Donald Trump, and met with Tedros, Cambodian Prime Minister SamdechTecho Hun Sen and Mongolian President KhaltmaaBattulga in Beijing, stressing the need for international cooperation in combating the epidemic.

During his inspection of research into COVID-19 on March 2, Xi Jinping called for the strengthening of cooperation on source tracing, drugs, vaccines and testing with the countries concerned, and stepping up communication with the WHO.

“By sharing research data and information, and working on joint responses to the epidemic, we will contribute our wisdom and energy to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind,” said Xi.

“Building a community with a shared future for mankind” is China’s solution for promoting international cooperation. First proposed by Xi in 2013, the idea was incorporated into a UN resolution and enshrined by the UN Security Council, and has now gained wider international recognition.

“Before the outbreak of COVID-19, the idea of a shared future for mankind mainly focused on areas such as economic cooperation and environmental protection, but the virus has made it clear to us all that to tackle a lethal virus that is spreading worldwide, it is necessary for all nations to work together despite their differences,” said Zhu.

The necessity for international cooperation became even more acute when WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, despite the fact that China’s situation is gradually stabilizing, while Europe replaced China as the new epicenter of the virus. As of 15 March, over 156,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in around 130 countries and territories, and more than 5,800 people have died from the disease.

As a responsible country, China is sharing its successful experience and resources with other nations, helping them to tackle the disease.

Italy, now Europe’s epicenter, has called for help from both the EU and China. So far, not a single EU member state has sent Italy the needed supplies, while Chinese aircraft on March 12 landed in Rome a 9-member expert team, along with tonnes of medical supplies.

During a phone call with President Sergio Mattarella of Italy on March 14, Xi affirmed the strong support of the Chinese government and people for Italy's epidemic response in this trying time, and offered cooperation and assistance.

“Mankind, as a community with a shared future, can only counter global risks and challenges through unity and coordination. Working hand in hand, China, Italy and the rest of the international community will be able to tide over the difficulties, defeat the virus at an early date, and protect the health and safety of the Chinese, the Italian and other people around the world,” said Xi.

“When the outbreak took place in China, we even made fun of the Chinese. Instead of turning their back on us, China has sent help to Italy, which no EU nation has so far provided. I think we owe China an apology, and I do believe a shared future for us all is the only way to tackle a global pandemic,” said MarchelloLucches, a 25-year-old Italian student.

Italy is not the only nation to receive support from China. Medical experts and resources have also been sent to countries and regions in need, including Iran and Iraq, where medical workers are conducting intensive work. 20 million US dollars has been donated to the WHO, while masks, medicines, protective suits and other supplies have been sent to countries in urgent need of them.

In an effort to keep its promise to the world to tackle the virus, China has also 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, as well as openly sharing data with all nations.

“Needless to say, China is doing all it can for the co-building of a world community with a shared future for mankind. No country can fight single-handedly against, or wall itself off from the on-going global pandemic. China is willing to learn from, as well as share its experiences with other nations, which is necessary for promoting global public health governance,” said Su. 

Zhao Tong and Xian Jiangnan contributed to the story.