Daily Times

Coronavirus (Covid-19) has become a global concern. The epidemic has reached more than 29 countries, infecting 78,832 people; the number of deaths has climbed to 2,462. Without any doubt, it could become the biggest tragedy of the 21st century. However, surprisingly, except China, very few countries have provided the much-needed support. China has single-handedly tackled the issue and made all possible efforts to contain the virus.

China’s efforts to curb the virus has widely been recognised. Even the World Health Organisation has lauded the efforts of the Chinese government, advising the world to learn from China to fight the disease. To stop the outbreak, China has made extraordinary efforts. Wuhan, the epicentre of the disease, has been completely locked down along with other cities where the number of infected people was growing rapidly. Apart from that, the central government has mobilised all its resources; teams of doctors and medical stuff have been directly sent to the affected places in the shortest period of time. House-to-house fever temperature check has been initiated. People were asked to report to the authorities immediately if there was any sign of fever, cough or pneumonia.

There have been numerous reports in media that Chinese people have been humiliated or harassed in different countries only because of their nationality

To ensure the smooth supply of food and daily necessities, special arrangements were made. Where it was not possible for people to acquire daily necessities, it was ensured that masses would be provided food, clothing and shelter at the expense of the government. To meet with the sudden demand of hospitals in Wuhan, two mega hospitals were created in less than half a month. Hospitals are equipped with the state-of-art technology. Makeshift hospitals were also established. Due to these government efforts, the number of infected people and fatalities have been reduced significantly.

The Chinese government has decided to reopen the schools, but students will be given lessons online. For factories and workers, government has decided to bring workers in shifts, and that will also depend on the conditions. Official meetings and other day-to-day work is being minimised, and where necessary, officials are asked to avoid direct contact and hold online meetings. For trade and commerce, human contact is minimised, and machines and robots are given tasks. Thanks to such policies, we have seen a sharp decline in the spread of the virus and the number of fatalities.

China’s experience of fighting against the virus has largely been successful; many countries have praised its efforts. However, a few countries have displayed a hostile behaviour. The worst example of that hostility is that some states have even refused to provide medical equipment, machines, technical staff, and face masks. The comments of the US Commerce Secretary are troublesome. He reportedly advised American companies to shift their manufacturing units out of China because “China is dirty.” Such remarks do not suit a responsible government representative. There have been numerous reports in media that Chinese people have been humiliated or harassed in different countries only because of their nationality. Such behaviour is unkind and highly condemnable.

Coronavirus (Covid-19) has become a global concern. The epidemic has reached more than 29 countries, infecting 78,832 people; the number of deaths has climbed to 2,462

In contrast, some countries have provided all possible support to China. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has appreciated Pakistan’s help to China in this difficult time. Regretfully, the USA, India and their allies are spreading baseless rumours to distort the truth and propagate conspiracy theories that have no scientific base. China is a responsible country that plays its due role when the world is in crisis. We should not forget the role of China during the fight against the Ebola virus. It was Chinese scientists who were in the frontlines. Whether it was a global warming conference, an earthquake in Haiti, UN peace forces, or hurricanes in the Philippines and Indonesia, China was in the forefront. But today, when China is in a serious crisis, the world is only offering lip service.

We know the difficult time does not last forever; it makes nations more resilient and united. All Chinese people, including Uighur Muslims and other Chinese minorities, are united, telling the world that they are united, and they will win the war against the coronavirus.

The writer is a professor and director of BRI Research Centre at Yancheng Institute of Technology, Jiangsu, China. He can be reached at hashmi@ycit.edu.cn