Global ties vital to fight coronavirus

Xi says China has made all-out efforts to contain spread of disease

China stands ready to work with the international community to effectively curb the spread of the pneumonia cases caused by a new strain of coronavirus to uphold global health security, President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday.

Xi made the remark in telephone conversations with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel ahead of the Lunar New Year, which falls on Saturday.

Xi said that since the outbreak of the contagion, China has made all-out efforts to prevent and control the disease, promptly disclose related information, and informed the World Health Organization as well as relevant countries and regions about the disease in a timely manner.

Macron said his country supports China in actively dealing with the contagion and is willing to strengthen bilateral health cooperation.

Merkel appreciates China's efforts to contain the spread of the contagious disease in a timely manner, and said Beijing remains open and transparent in developing international cooperation on the outbreak. Germany stands ready to provide support and assistance to China, she added.