Recently, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has become a common concern of the international community. The actions of the Chinese government and people are key to the global campaign against this epidemic. Under the direct leadership of President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government and people are going all-out to combat the epidemic and China has taken comprehensive and resolute measures to prevent and control the spread of the disease and treat the patients.

-- China has set up a leading group headed by Premier Li Keqiang to lead and coordinate national efforts to deal with the epidemic, launched the highest-level public health emergency response nationwide, and sent special task forces to Hubei Province and other hard-hit areas.

-- China has organized experts to trace down the origin of the virus, conduct epidemiological investigation, and develop diagnostic reagents and vaccine.

-- China has intensified prevention and control measures in Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak, by closing the relevant markets, temporarily closing airports, railway stations and other modes of transport out of the city, organizing speedy shipment of medical and other supplies and sending more medical personnel to Wuhan. The construction of a 1000-bed hospital especially for treating 2019-nCoV patients is also underway.

-- China has mounted a national fight against the virus, calling off large public gatherings, implementing rigorous prevention and control measures in local communities, and launching a publicity campaign to raise public awareness of the health risks the virus poses and the necessary precautions to take.

-- China has put a special emphasis on information sharing and international cooperation in combating the disease, updating the WHO and the relevant countries and regions, including the U.S., on the situation in a timely, open, transparent and responsible manner and maintaining close communication with them. We have identified the pathogen in a record-short time and promptly shared the gene sequence of 2019-nCoV with the WHO and other countries, which has facilitated detection of this virus. We have also maintained close contact with the U.S. in fighting the epidemic through diplomatic and health channels.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who recently visited China, applauded the effective measures China has taken in response to the epidemic and expressed confidence in China winning the battle.

The only way we will defeat this outbreak is for all countries to work together in a spirit of solidarity and cooperation. China appreciates the support and understanding of the international community on this matter. China has the resolve, confidence and capability to overcome the epidemic at an early date and will continue to work closely with the international community to safeguard regional and global public health security.