The outbreak of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus has drawn worldwide attention. I still recall how China tackled the challenge of the Sars epidemic 17 years ago, and this time China is more experienced and better prepared.
China has full capability to defeat the disease. With its world-leading medical forces and technological foundation built up over the past decades, as well as the advantage in mobilising resources nationwide rapidly, China has not only successfully contained outbreaks of several severe epidemics but also aided West Africa in their fight against Ebola.
This time, with instructions from President Xi Jinping, all of China is in action, demonstrating unprecedented speed, strength and effectiveness. Many measures taken have extended beyond requirements of the World Health Organisation and are showing positive effects.
It is unprecedented in human history to lock down a megacity with over 10million people as an epicentre of disease. So far 269 patients have been cured including 80-year-olds, and the number cured has exceeded the death toll. The WHO has fully endorsed China’s decisive measures and timely responses.
China has also been conducting international co-operation in an open, transparent and responsible manner. We identified the pathogen and shared its sequence with the WHO and other countries at the earliest time, which has resulted in the rapid development of diagnostic tools.
The Chinese Government has attached great importance to the safety and wellbeing of foreign nationals in China, and worked hard to look after them. Currently, foreigners including New Zealand citizens in Wuhan and other cities have sufficient access to daily necessities and medical care.
In case of crisis, keeping a cool head is crucial. There is no need to panic and we have nothing to fear but fear itself. For those abiding by medical advice, the likelihood of infection is very low. The epidemic situation should be assessed in an objective, just, calm and reasonable way.
There have so far been 144 cases in 23 countries outside China, without causing large-scale outbreaks or death toll. Human-to-human transmission has only been found in 3 countries outside China. The spread momentum of the virus is being curbed within and outside the country. As Health Minister David Clark pointed out, the probability of large-scale outbreaks in New Zealand is unlikely.
The determination of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is mainly to caution those countries with weaker health systems. New Zealand, as a member country of the OECD, has mature epidemic response systems and protective capabilities. Apart from taking necessary precaution, there is no need to overreact. The WHO does not recommend any travel or trade restriction on China.
If free flow of personnel or goods were restricted between our two countries, not only China but New Zealand will also suffer heavy economic losses and friendly ties among our peoples may be hampered. We should guard against overreaction that may result in more negative spillover effects.
China is strengthening collaboration with the international community including New Zealand to safeguard global public health security. Our Consulate General is also keeping close contacts with local DHBs. Throughout human history, no country has been defeated by any epidemic — let alone the human race.
In the age of globalisation, only through enhancing international co-operation will we cope with non-traditional threats like epidemics effectively. Under the current circumstances, confidence is more precious than gold. We believe the world can prevail over the new disease very soon with joint efforts.
■ Wang Zhijian is the Chinese Consul General in Christchurch.
