The recent pneumonia outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus in Wuhan, Hubei province, presents a common and serious challenge to China and the international community. The Chinese government has taken a series of decisive and stringent prevention and control measures from the outset to protect the safety and health of the Chinese people and to contain the further spread of the virus. Many of these measures go far beyond the requirements of the International Health Regulation. A nationwide inter-agency emergency response mechanism has been activated. Medical staff and supplies have been congregated and rushed to the aid of Wuhan and Hubei province.

The Chinese government has been updating information about the epidemic, and imparting to the public knowledge on how to stay healthy and avoid infection, so that everyone is consciously taking actions conducive to prevention and control. In the meantime, China has worked to pool the efforts of leading infectious specialists at home and abroad to focus on research and development of vaccines and medicines.

Throughout the process, acting with openness, transparency and in a responsible manner, China has maintained timely communication and close collaboration with other members of the international community, providing timely updates and working together with international partners to jointly confront the spread of the virus. China's prevention and control efforts have been widely acclaimed. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has affirmed his appreciation for China's unprecedented response to the new coronavirus. The strong political commitment, quick action and effective measures taken by the Chinese government to contain the outbreak are truly admirable. President Xi Jinping has issued instructions and provided guidance for the response efforts himself, showing strong leadership. The unparalleled speed, scale and efficiency of the mobilization efforts to stem the outbreak speaks to China's institutional advantages, and offers valuable experiences to other countries.

The Chinese Embassy in Belgium, following the principle of "diplomacy for the people", has closely followed the health conditions of Chinese in Belgium. The embassy has offered health tips, responded to people's concerns, advised them on measures to protect themselves, and provided assistance where needed, all the while advocating for calmness over panic. Overseas Chinese, Chinese businesses and Chinese students in Belgium, caring deeply for their motherland, have provided funds and in-kind donations, contributing their share to the fight against the virus. The first batch of protective suits, goggles and masks along with other much-needed medical supplies donated by the Association of Chinese Professionals in Belgium and overseas Chinese students have been shipped to China through Hainan Airlines' green channel.

The Belgian government has made positive remarks of the Chinese government' response to the epidemic outbreak. Major government officials have sent letters to express their sympathy. Elio Di Rupo, former Belgian prime minister, now serving as minister-president of the Wallonia region, the Francophone south of Belgium that enjoys friendship relations with Hubei province, has voiced his support for China. He said that China and Belgium will maintain sound cooperation and he is convinced that China will be able to stem the spread of the new coronavirus outbreak. Willy Borsus, vice minister-president of Wallonia, wrote to express the region's solicitude and firm support for Chinese friends and Hubei province in this difficult time.

Some local governments have assisted in opening up green channels for medical aid. The Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the Wallonia Export-Investment Agency and the Flanders-China Chamber of Commerce have called on Belgian companies to make donations to the areas most affected by the outbreak. All of these bear witness to Belgian people's friendly feelings toward China.

In the meantime, however, there have been some European media outlets publishing cartoons insulting the national flag of China. We expressed strong indignation and condemnation of such acts, which breach the bottom line of civilized society, trespass the moral boundary of free speech, and deeply hurt the feelings of the Chinese people. But we believe these media organizations do not represent the views of the majority. Their indifference and malice are disdained by all righteous people. Many Belgians have left messages on the embassy's social media accounts voicing their firm support for China's fight against the outbreak, and denouncing the abominable drawing. This is an example to show the meaning of the Chinese adage "a just cause gains wide support, while an unjust one enjoys none".

We are convinced that as Chinese at home and abroad are united in solidarity, as all countries join hands together, we will succeed in defeating the epidemic at an early date. The epidemic, which will be brought under control, will not undermine the long-term and steady growth of the Chinese economy. This year China will complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all aspects, continue to deepen all-round reform and expand opening-up. I believe all of these will inject fresh impetus into China-Belgium relations and further take forward China-Belgium pragmatic cooperation across all areas.

The author contributed this article to China Watch exclusively. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of China Watch.

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