Xi Jinping: "China's COVID-19 Response Measures Are Internationally Recognized"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Chinese President Xi Jinping stated on the 14th that "the Chinese government's measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) are being internationally recognized."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to the People's Daily on the same day, President Xi said during a phone call with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad the previous day, "China's strong measures against the epidemic are not only responsible for the health of our people but also contribute to global public health efforts," adding, "They have received sufficient recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO) and countries around the world."

He further mentioned, "Based on the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, we will strengthen cooperation with the international community to jointly overcome the epidemic and win the war."

President Xi also expressed his intention to take good care of foreigners staying in China. He stated, "We will continue to take good care of foreigners in China as we do our own citizens."

The People's Daily reported that governments and major political parties from countries including Canada have sent encouragement for China's efforts to contain COVID-19. This is interpreted as an effort to highlight that the policies adopted by the Chinese government are internationally recognized. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) and others have largely evaluated China's efforts positively. However, on the U.S.-based petition site 'change.org,' there is opposition, with petitions calling for the resignation of WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, accusing him of siding with China.

Meanwhile, the Chinese government announced on the same day that as of the previous day, 1,380 people had died from COVID-19, and 63,851 people (cumulative) had been confirmed infected. Starting the previous day, China revised its system so that in addition to tests using diagnostic kits, clinical doctors can confirm COVID-19 if pneumonia symptoms are observed in computed tomography (CT) scans.