VIENTIANE, Feb 20 — The COVID-19, which has killed 2,188 people and caused worldwide concerns, is controllable and curable, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Speaking at a Special ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the coronavirus disease here today, he said statistics showed that there has been a sharp drop in new cases of COVID-19 in China.
The number of COVID-19 cases has been declining for 15 consecutive days and more than 14,000 patients had been discharged from hospitals, he said.
“This shows the epidemic is controllable and curable.
“China is confident of winning the fight against COVID-19,” he said.
He also refuted allegations that China was handling the outbreak poorly.
“China is not only protecting its people but also the rest of the world,” he said.
The special meeting was held to exchange views and explore new ways and means of cooperation in dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak in the region. A similar meeting was held following the SARS outbreak in 2003.
At the meeting, a video was played, showing ASEAN member countries’ support for China in fighting the deadly virus. Attendees shouted, “Stay strong Wuhan. Stay strong China. Stay strong ASEAN” at the end of the video.
Wang expressed his appreciation to ASEAN friends who have supported and stood firmly with China since the outbreak.
“Fear is more threatening than the virus and confidence is more precious than gold,” he told a press conference.
— BERNAMA
