[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-woo] Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly expressed gratitude to the British and French leaders for their condolences and support regarding the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) during phone calls with them. He also emphasized to the two leaders that the impact of COVID-19 on the Chinese economy is temporary.
According to China's state-run CCTV, on the 18th, President Xi had a phone conversation with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson regarding COVID-19, saying, "I express my gratitude to Queen Elizabeth II and Prime Minister Johnson for their condolences on China's COVID-19 prevention situation." He continued, "The materials and support that the UK has provided to China for COVID-19 prevention and control well demonstrate the friendship between our two countries and peoples," emphasizing, "Our prevention measures have brought positive changes and clear effects are appearing."
Additionally, President Xi stressed that the impact of COVID-19 on the Chinese economy would not be significant. He stated, "The Chinese economy will proceed with patience, and we have the confidence and ability to achieve this year's economic and social development goals, especially the Xiaokang society." He added, "China will expand high-level exchanges with the UK and wishes to jointly uphold multilateralism and free trade with the UK."
During a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, President Xi first expressed his gratitude, saying, "President Macron's repeated calls to offer condolences and support well demonstrate the deep friendship and high-level comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries." He then emphasized, "The impact of the epidemic on the Chinese economy is temporary," and "We can achieve this year's economic and social goals through efforts."
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