BEIJING – China on Monday expressed gratitude and appreciation to thePakistani leadership for extending a firm support to China in the fightagainst novel coronavirus epidemic and said it was deeply grateful andtouched by such trust and confidence.
“As China fights the outbreak, Pakistan has stood firmly with us,maintaining flights and pooling medical supplies all over the country tohelp China. We are deeply grateful and touched by such trust andconfidence,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said duringthe first ‘Online’ briefing held here.
The briefing was resumed after the Chinese New Year and Spring Festivalholidays.She remarked that China and Pakistan were iron-clad friends that share agood tradition of mutual assistance and added, “China will continue to workin close communication and coordination with Pakistan to safeguard thehealth of Pakistanis in China.”
Referring to the statements of Prime Minister Imran Khan and ForeignMinister Shah Mahmood Qureshi regarding China’s fight against novelcoronavirus, she said indeed, the Pakistani prime minister and foreignminister highly commend and firmly support China’s efforts to fight againstthe new coronavirus.
“They also appreciate China’s assistance for Pakistani citizens in Chinaand express confidence in China winning this battle with the strength ofits system. The Pakistani people are standing firmly with their Chinesebrethren,” she added.
Hua Chunying pointed out that like Pakistan, many other countries had alsoexpressed full confidence in China, adding, “We thank them.”
“We have the confidence and the capability to win the fight against theoutbreak as soon as possible and safeguard the life and health of theircitizens in China,” she said.
About the medical supplies from Pakistan and some other countries, she saidsince the novel coronavirus pneumonia outbreak, some countries hadexpressed understanding and support to China through various means.
As of noon February 2, epidemic prevention and control supplies donated bythe Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Japan, the UK, France, Turkey, Kazakhstan,Hungary, Iran, Belarus, Indonesia and the UNICEF had arrived in China.
“In addition, friends from all walks of life in many countries have alsooffered us support. A friend in need is a friend indeed. I’d like to thankthem all,” she added.The spokesperson said at present the Chinese side was urgently neededmedical masks, protective suits and safety goggles.”
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She informed that the US government had not provided any substantialassistance to us, but it was the first to evacuate personnel from itsconsulate in Wuhan, the first to suggest partial withdrawal of its embassystaff, and the first to impose a travel ban on Chinese travellers andadded, all it has done could only create and spread fear.
About the number of confirmed cases, she said till yesterday afternoon,17,205 cases of nCoV pneumonia were confirmed, 361 died and 475 cured anddischarged.
Regarding foreigners who were tested positive during the current outbreak,she said after checking with the relevant department, as of February 2, 16foreigners in China had infected with the coronavirus.
“Among them, two have recovered and been discharged from hospital, and 14are in quarantine and in stable conditions,” she added.
To a question about the condition of foreigners in Wuhan, she informed thatattaching high importance to the well-being of foreign nationals in Wuhan,Hubei, China had taken effective measures to address their concerns andneeds in a timely manner.
She hoped that the international community could view the epidemic in arational and calm way and make a science-based and measured response.
The spokesperson said in an open, transparent and highly responsibleattitude, China would enhance cooperation with the WHO and theinternational community. We had confidence and capability in winning thisbattle as soon as possible.
It may be mentioned here that the Chinese foreign ministry, in light of thecurrent situation held its first online briefing. The spokesperson wentonline and used WeChat to answer questions from journalists.
