India Called for Objective and Rational Evaluation of the Outbreak, and Expressed Confidence in China's Ability to Overcome Difficulties

On 31 January, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

Minister Jaishankar said that India supports the Chinese government and people's resolute efforts in fighting 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.

State Councilor Wang Yi expressed appreciation for India's support, and said that the Chinese government and people are making every effort to fight the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. We have taken the most comprehensive and rigorous containment and mitigation measures, and many of them go well beyond the requirements of the International Health Regulations (2005). By doing so, China is not only protecting the health of its people, but also that of people around the world. Such efforts are fully recognized by many governments as well as the WHO. At yesterday's briefing on the novel coronavirus outbreak, the WHO said that it does not recommend travel or trade restrictions against China. We believe that India and other countries will respect this important recommendation by the WHO. And China is ready to further enhance public health cooperation with the international community.

Wang said that to address transnational public health challenges in this era of globalization, we need to stay objective and rational, and step up communication and coordination, and that all should play a constructive role. We don't think it is helpful for certain country to hype up the situation, or even create panic.

Jaishankar said that it is important to evaluate the outbreak in an objective and rational manner and not take actions that may complicate the situation. Faced with such difficulties, the Chinese people will come together with great determination. India is confident that China will ultimately prevail over this challenge.