Q:Indian media currently pay close attention to the development of pneumonia epidemic caused by the novel coronavirus in Wuhan. Please introduce the measures taken by the Chinese government in response to the epidemic, especially how to ensure the health and safety of Indian citizens in Wuhan?

A:Facing the severe and complicated epidemic situation, the Chinese government has attached great importance to it. President Xi Jinping has repeatedly given important instructions on prevention and control of the epidemic. With firm resolve, strong measures, rapid action and extensive mobilization, China has built an all-round and multi-level prevention and control system focusing on Wuhan city and Hubei province from the central government to the local level. The epidemic is generally preventable, controllable and curable. At present, there are sufficient supplies of daily necessities in Wuhan, and the commodity prices are also generally stable. The Chinese government has mobilized all the national resources to ensure the supply of medical equipments and living materials in Wuhan.We have full capability, confidence and resources to win the battle against the epidemic at an early date.

Acting with openness, transparency and a high sense of responsibility, the Chinese government has shared information of the epidemic with the WHO, relevant nations and regions in a timely manner, strengthen joint prevention and control, sparing no efforts to curb the spread of the epidemic. The WHO and the international community highly appreciate and fully recognize the decisive measures taken by the Chinese government and thank China for its great efforts to control the spread of the epidemic. China believes that the international community will assess the epidemic situation in an objective, just, calm and reasonable way, and will continue to strengthen international cooperation, work with all parties to jointly tackle the epidemic and safeguard regional and global public health security.

The Chinese Embassy in India has maintained close communication with the Indian government, timely briefed on the development of the epidemic and China's efforts in epidemic prevention and control. The Chinese side pays close attention to the report of the emergence of one confirmed case of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus in India and will cooperate with the Indian side to jointly strengthen the epidemic prevention and control. The Chinese government attaches great importance to safeguarding the safety and health of every foreign national in China, including the Indian people. We are willing to continue to maintain close communication with the Indian side, provide necessary assistance and convenience to ensure the health and safety of Indian citizens in China, and address their legitimate concerns timely. We also hope Indian side could continue to render understanding and support to China's efforts in epidemic prevention and control.