Stakes too high to forgo joint actions

Just when China should finally be able to let out a sigh of relief－with the number of indigenous novel coronavirus infections dropping to zero－multiple ports of entry, from Beijing to Shanghai, find themselves overwhelmed by a sudden inflow of panicked overseas Chinese seeking refuge back home, and they account for most of the newly confirmed infections in the country.

Leaving aside the wisdom of flying long-distance in the enclosed space of an airplane with passengers of unknown contagious potential at a time when social distancing is the most recommended precaution against contracting the virus, this speaks to the truth that can't be overstated in this time of crisis: We are in this together; no one is safe until we all are.

The world needs to act in synergy. It needs countries to show goodwill to one another with sincere acts of assistance. With each passing day, it is increasingly evident that helping others is also helping oneself.

As the foremost victim of the ongoing pandemic, and the first to have accomplished tangible control over its domestic spread, China is in an advantageous position to help the rest of the world weather the pandemic.

The first-hand knowledge its scientists and medical professionals have accumulated so far can help others better understand and deal with the virus. And as factories resume operations across the country, there will be more resources available for countries in need.

From neighboring Japan and the Republic of Korea to more-distant Serbia, Beijing is offering assistance to a number of countries hit hard by the pandemic. But it is also seeking to provide assistance beyond the one-on-one pattern.

For example, by holding a video conference to share information and its experience in fighting the virus with government officials and health specialists from more than 10 European countries.

Clearly the fight against the virus is not just the battles being waged by individual countries, but a common battle that the whole world must fight, as all people's well-being is at stake and all countries' development and prosperity are at risk.

Passionate appeals have been made for concerted actions, most noticeably by the United Nations and the World Health Organization. But they have so far fallen on the deaf ears of some intent on making political capital from the crisis.

But a coordinated response is crucial to not only curb the pandemic but also shore up the global economy which is on the brink of a meltdown.

In that sense, the pledge by the leaders of the G7 to "ensure a strong global response through closer cooperation and enhanced coordination" is welcome, but it is not enough.

A coordinated response from the G20 members is needed. As shown by their successful efforts to steady the world economy during the global financial crisis, working together they can make a substantial difference.

Disagreement, prejudice and procrastination will only result in chaos and disaster. Solidarity, reason and joint actions are the lifeline to a better future.