China urges against the restriction of trade, travel

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has expressed gratitude to the international community for donations and assistance, as China continues to try to contain a deadly coronavirus outbreak. He also urged against restrictions on the flow of goods and people.

Wang made the comments on Sunday in separate phone conversations with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah.

As of February 2, the virus has killed 304 and infected 14,411 people in China. All 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities on the mainland have activated Level 1 emergency responses.

"The Chinese people are working together to unite as one in a serious struggle against the epidemic. We are fully capable and confident in overcoming the epidemic," Wang told Lavrov.

Lavrov said the Chinese government has taken effective measures to contain the epidemic, and Russia fully supports China's effort. He also pledged to donate medical items, send medical teams and collaborate to develop a vaccine.

The Chinese foreign minister also expressed gratitude to Germany, Turkey and Malaysia for their assistance.

German, Turkish and Malaysian foreign ministers said they recognize the measures taken by the Chinese government to fight the epidemic, and said they are willing to offer assistance to help fight the outbreak.

They said their governments have sent China the requested medical items and they are willing to offer more help.

Wang thanked them for the donations and urged countries not to put restrictions on the flow of goods and people.

Wang said the World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly stated China has taken firm measures to contain the epidemic and it does not recommend measures to restrict international travel and trade with China.

(Cover: In this photo provided by Thai Government Spokesmen's office, a health worker watches thermal images monitoring arriving passengers at Suvarnabhumi International Airport to help detect passengers who may be infected with the novel coronavirus in Bangkok, Thailand, January 29, 2020. /AP Photo)