Xi Jinping urges ‘stronger international cooperation’ and quick action to fight coronavirus pandemic and stave off global recession

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for “stronger international cooperation on all fronts” to fight the Covid-19 pandemic as well as urgent action to stop a global economic recession, in his first major speech to an international audience since the start of the public health crisis.

Speaking in a videoconference with other Group of 20 leaders on Thursday, Xi urged unity and solidarity and delivered three main messages: strengthen international efforts to stop the virus; shore up the economy amid downward trends; and subtly call on the US to stop its hostile moves against China.

As nearly half a million people have been infected with the virus, Xi called for joint research and development of drugs and vaccines. There are currently no cures or preventive medication for the virus.

“At the most difficult moments for China, many members of the international community provided China with sincere help and support. We would remember and value this friendship forever,” Xi said.

“We must comprehensively step up international cooperation and foster greater synergy so that humanity as one could win the battle against such a major infectious disease.”