Wang Yi urges global teamwork amid fight against coronavirus epidemic

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for the reinforcing of global governance and coordination in the face of the novel coronavirus outbreak, and he anticipated that China's long-term economic growth will not be compromised by the epidemic.

"Winter will pass, and spring is sure to come," Wang said when addressing the annual Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, on Saturday.

The epidemic's outbreak has once again reminded people that countries' futures are closely linked and "global governance and international coordination must be strengthened without any delay".

The senior diplomat noted that China's rigorous and thorough measures are paying off, and although the epidemic has posed a severe challenge to China's economic and social development, "the difficulties will be temporary and short-lived".

"With its strong resilience, potential and vitality, the Chinese economy is well positioned to overcome all risks and challenges. The fundamentals sustaining sound economic growth have not changed and will not change," Wang said.

Quoting the Chinese saying that "after the storm comes the rainbow", Wang said the country's pent-up consumer demand and growth potential will be quickly unleashed and the country will enjoy sounder and more sustainable economic and social development.

The country has effectively curbed the spread of the outbreak beyond its borders, and "has made extraordinary efforts and a heavy sacrifice" for that, Wang said.

He added that China is not fighting alone, because the international community has given valuable moral and material support. This joint fight is strengthening the friendship between the Chinese people and peoples across the world, he said.

Speaking on how to better translate multilateralism into action, Wang said countries should pursue shared development, major countries should set a good example, and nations should uphold international norms and see the world as one community.

China respects the choices of Western countries, while the West also needs to abandon its prejudices and anxieties regarding China, respect the choices of the Chinese people and accept and welcome the development and rejuvenation of a major country in the East, Wang said.