International community supports China's efforts

The international community has voiced support for China's efforts to prevent and control the novel coronavirus-related pneumonia that has claimed more than 100 lives throughout the country, and hailed the measures taken by the nation as active and transparent.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday the international body appreciated China's efforts, and he has full confidence in China's capability to control the outbreak.

Speaking to Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the UN, at the UN headquarters in New York, Guterres said that at this important time, the UN stands in solidarity with the Chinese government and people.

United States President Donald Trump tweeted on Monday his country was in close contact with China and was offering whatever help needed to fight the coronavirus outbreak.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi also said they appreciated the strong and active measures China has taken to contain the contagious disease.

In a telephone conversation with State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday, Le Drian said France highly appreciated the Chinese government taking active and powerful measures to deal with the outbreak and staying committed to curbing the spread of the contagion.

He paid tribute to China for its determination and courage to fight the epidemic, and said France was willing to provide all necessary assistance to China for as long as it needs.

Speaking with Wang via telephone on Sunday, Motegi said a friend in need is a friend indeed, and Japan was willing to work with China to cope with the threat of the disease and provide all-around support and assistance.

He said he had faith that China would win the battle against the contagion at an early date.

Also on Sunday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, said the UAE was ready to provide support to China and collaborate with the international community to fight the virus.

"We're closely following the Chinese government's efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus. We're confident in their ability to overcome this crisis. The UAE is ready to provide all support to China and cooperate with the international community to tackle this virus," he tweeted.

Pope Francis praised China's "great commitment" to contain the coronavirus outbreak on Sunday and said he was praying for the dead, the sick, and families of victims, Reuters reported.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also praised China's response to the outbreak in a tweet in Chinese.

Zarif said the timely and decisive measures the Chinese government had taken to contain the disease and the united action of the Chinese people had boosted the confidence that China would win the battle against the epidemic. Iran stood firmly with the Chinese people, he added.