Global Support for China’s Anti-Epidemic Efforts

Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, China has taken unprecedented measures under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, to contain the outbreak by pooling national medical personnel and supplies to the hardest-hit regions, building new hospitals, extending the Lunar New Year holiday, postponing reopening of schools and some businesses, and imposing travel restrictions. By February 7, 2020, many foreign leaders had praised and expressed support for China’s efforts to combat the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO)

China’s powerful system and effective measures to prevent and control novel coronavirus-related pneumonia have rarely been seen globally. The WHO and the international community highly appreciate and fully support the decisive measures the Chinese government has taken to deal with the outbreak and thank China for its tremendous efforts to curb the spread of the contagion. The WHO is eager to enhance communication and cooperation with China.

Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus

Chinese leaders’ efficient response and the heroism of the Chinese people are admirable. Belarus, always a reliable and loyal friend of China, will send medical supplies to help the Chinese people battle the epidemic.

Ban Ki-moon, Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia

Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized the priceless value of life. The Chinese value on life and wisdom accumulated across the past five thousand years will enable China to overcome this epidemic. I will stand with the Chinese people in their battle against the epidemic.

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia

Russia fully supports China in fighting the epidemic and plans to provide necessary medical supplies and send a delegation of anti-epidemic experts to China to jointly carry out research and development of vaccines and drugs. China’s resolute measures under the leadership of President Xi will contain the epidemic and minimize losses.

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Indian Minister of External Affairs

India supports the Chinese government and people’s resolute efforts to fight the novel coronavirus outbreak. India appreciates China’s openness, transparency and sense of responsibility in dealing with the outbreak and has confidence in China’s ability to ultimately overcome this challenge.

Maha Vajiralongkorn, King of Thailand

The international community has been greatly impressed by the efforts and determination of the Chinese government to fight the epidemic and the extensive epidemic prevention measures it has taken. The Thai people and I will pull together with the Chinese people in times of trouble.

Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)

The WPK, the people of the DPRK and I consider the epidemic that hit China something we are also suffering. We have strong faith that the CPC and the Chinese government and people will win the battle against the virus under Xi’s leadership.

Bidhya Devi Bhandari, President of Nepal

At this difficult time, Nepal will firmly unite with the Chinese government and friendly Chinese people. We appreciate and support the Chinese leaders’ extraordinary efforts to contain the epidemic and we thank China for caring for Nepalese citizens in China.

Kais Saied, President of Tunisia

Under the strong and wise leadership of Xi, the Chinese government’s efforts to combat the epidemic and contain the outbreak will soon pay off.

Paul Biya, President of Cameroon 

I offer sympathy and support to the Chinese people on behalf of the Cameroonian people as the Chinese government and people fight a heroic battle against the epidemic.

Alassane Ouattara, President of Cote d’Ivoire

The government and people of Cote d’Ivoire firmly support the efforts by the Chinese government and people in fighting the epidemic.

Imran Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan

Pakistan strongly believes that China will leverage its unique institutional advantages to overcome the epidemic. Pakistan will mobilize all the country’s medical supply reserves to assist China and firmly stand alongside the brotherly Chinese people.

Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore

Singapore will closely cooperate with China to jointly combat the epidemic. China is taking effective measures to control the illness and Singapore is already prepared, so there is no need to panic.

Jorge Bom Jesus, Prime Minister of Sao Tome and Principe

I offer my sympathy and support to the Chinese government and believe that China will defeat the epidemic.

Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

We support China’s efforts to respond, including recent fiscal, monetary, and financial actions. We are confident that China’s economy will remain resilient.

Mohammad Javad Zarif, Foreign Minister of Iran

It is widely recognized by the international community that the Chinese government has taken timely and resolute measures in fighting the epidemic in a responsible and transparent manner, which has prevented not only a deterioration of the outbreak within China, but also its spread overseas. Iran will work together with China to combat the epidemic caused by the novel coronavirus.

Asma Abdallah, Foreign Minister of Sudan

I believe that the Chinese government is fully capable of defeating this epidemic and that China will overcome the crisis as soon as possible.

Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, Prime Minister of Mongolia

The people of Mongolia empathize with the Chinese government and people as they face the challenges posed by the epidemic. The Mongolian people believe that under the strong leadership of the Chinese government and with the concerted efforts of the Chinese people, China will soon rein in the epidemic.

Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations

My appeal is for a strong feeling of international solidarity and a strong wave of support to China in these difficult circumstances but also to other countries that might be impacted. We also need strong concern to avoid stigmatization of people who are innocent and victims of that situation. I believe that China has mobilized enormous resources and has enormous capacity to respond to the outbreak, and we fully recognize that effort.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Cambodia

When China has encountered difficult times, the Cambodian people have stood firmly with the Chinese people as they undergo and overcome common difficulties—the two countries are truly steadfast friends. Cambodia will continue to carry out normal cooperation and exchange with China and remains committed to working with China to build a community with a shared future. 

Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of Saudi Arabia

The Saudis highly appreciate the vigorous measures taken by the Chinese government to combat the epidemic and believe that China will surely win the battle. Saudi Arabia highly values its comprehensive strategic partnership with China and will staunchly stand with China in any circumstances. Facing the current difficulties, Saudi Arabia will spare no efforts to provide support and assistance to China in the battle against the epidemic.

Donald Trump, President of the United States

The United States fully supports China’s fight against the novel coronavirus epidemic and is willing to send experts to China and offer assistance in various other forms. That China built special hospitals for novel coronavirus patients in such an incredibly short time is impressive and demonstrates China’s outstanding organizational and response capabilities. I’m confident that under Xi’s leadership, the Chinese people will undoubtedly win the battle against the outbreak.