Editorial | China in position to help world through coronavirus crisis
- With the rate of disease slowing in the country, Beijing can reach out to nations where the infection is swiftly gathering pace by offering its experience, technical know-how and badly needed equipment
China’s international reputation took a knock with the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, particularly when it became known that an initially sluggish response had contributed to the global spread.
But with the rate of the disease slowing and in some areas apparently under control, Beijing is now in a position to offer help to nations where the infection is swiftly gathering pace.
Some governments would seem to be copying containment methods such as city and regional lockdowns, although the strict controls Chinese officials have on populations means successful emulation will be impossible for many countries.
The best assistance comes from experience, technical know-how and equipment, being sent to Italy, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, South Korea, Japan and other affected parts of the world.
Beijing has sent a medical team, face masks, ventilators and protective gear to Italy, the worst-hit country after China. Chinese officials have been careful not to portray their containment methods as a model.
The lockdown of Wuhan on January 23 involved the closing of the city’s borders, with air travel cancelled, public transport halted and movement of people restricted.