People's Daily Reports on Front Page Headline: 'President Moon's Phone Call with President Xi'

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party, featured the phone call between President Moon Jae-in and Chinese President Xi Jinping as a major news story. The People's Daily reported that President Moon expressed condolences to China and conveyed his willingness to provide support during the call.

On the 21st, the People's Daily reported on its front-page headline that "President Xi had a phone call with President Moon."

The newspaper stated, "At a time when we are fighting against the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), President Moon called to express his condolences," adding, "We confirmed that as close neighbors, we are helping each other and demonstrated a friendship akin to crossing a river in the same boat."

It continued, "Since the outbreak of the disease, the Korean government and various sectors have expressed condolences to China and provided great assistance, for which we deeply thank them," and promised, "China will maintain an open and transparent attitude and strengthen communication and cooperation with various countries, including Korea."

The newspaper also conveyed the content of President Moon's call.

President Moon said, "Korea and China are close neighbors, and China's difficulties are our difficulties," and added, "The Korean government and people sincerely express their condolences to the Chinese people facing the COVID-19 situation."

He further stated, "Korea wants to stand firmly with China and provide support as well as cooperate in COVID-19 prevention efforts," and said, "The two countries will cooperate in the field of hygiene and health."

Earlier, the Blue House also reported through a written briefing that the two leaders spoke for 32 minutes. The Blue House introduced President Xi's remarks, saying, "Through a month-long battle, we have accumulated a lot of clinical treatment experience," and "We are willing to share clinical treatment experience." In response, President Moon said, "Korea is also making every effort to eradicate COVID-19, so we look forward to sharing information and cooperating on joint responses between the two countries," and added, "Since China has extensive clinical experience, sharing that information with quarantine authorities would help in eradication."