Since the COVID-19 epidemic broke out, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has adopted the most comprehensive, rigorous and thorough prevention and control measures. Thanks to these arduous efforts, the situation in China is steadily improving. President Xi's visit to Wuhan sent out the message of sure victory to the world. On March 11th, only 15 new confirmed cases were reported in mainland China, of which 8 from Wuhan, and 6 from abroad. In spite of the positive tendency, we are aware that the situation remains severe and complicated, and will continue to work relentlessly to consolidate current results.
In the efforts to fight off the epidemic, China's signature strength, efficiency and speed has been widely acclaimed. Leaders of over 170 countries and heads of more than 40 regional and international organizations expressed sympathy and support for China. They also commended China for its effective and extraordinary response and enormous sacrifice.WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros noted that China has set a new standard for the global efforts against the epidemic. At the critical moment when combating the COVID-19, China receives sincere and friendly assistance from the international community, we will never forget this and would like to express our appreciation.
At present, many countries are also facing the threat of the epidemic, and we share the same sorrow and pain with the countries where the outbreak is getting more severe. In the spirit of a community with a shared future for mankind, China is strengthening cooperation at regional and international level, sharing information and experience timely, and coordinating policies and resources with other countries and the WHO. To be more specific, we have established close technical communication mechanisms with the WHO, the European Union, the African Union, ASEAN and other organizations, as well as the Republic of Korea, Iran and other countries at high epidemic risk or with fragile health systems. Under these mechanisms, we share resources and information, provide technical support for containment and diagnosis. Expert teams are being sent to relevant countries for cooperation and exchanges. The Chinese government has donated US$20 million to WHO to support it in carrying out international cooperation in fighting the outbreak of COVID-19.
Dr. Bruce Aylward, foreign head of the China-WHO joint mission on COVID-19 has said, "China's counterattack can be replicated and other countries don't have to start from ground zero." With the willingness to share information and experience, we have provided the updated guidelines on epidemic prevention and control as well as diagnosis and treatment to Samoa Health Authority. On March 10th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, together with the National Health Commission of China organized a video conference with health experts from Samoa and the other 9 Pacific Island Countries. The Chinese experts talked about pathology, transmission, epidemic evolution, prevention and control as well as clinical treatment. They answered dozens of questions on virology, protection for medical personnel, targeted prevention and control, entry inspection and quarantine, therapeutic drugs, and research and development of vaccines. After in-depth exchange, it was agreed to enhance communication and deepen cooperation to fight the epidemic.
True friendship is a knot that angel hands have tied. We stood together with Samoan friends in the fight against measles outbreak. In a spirit of openness, transparency and a high sense of responsibility, China will continue to work with Samoa and other countries and provide necessary assistance to the best of our capabilities as the situation develops, to safeguard regional and global public health security.