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https://scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3049447/coronavirus-beijings-top-diplomat-hong-kong
Hong Kong/ Health & Environment

Beijing’s top diplomat in Hong Kong warns others against ‘taking advantage of’ coronavirus-stricken China

  • Xie Feng criticises the ‘overreaction and fearmongering’ of foreign governments
  • He adds that the government will continue to ensure food and other essentials make it over the border, after outbreak of panic buying in the city
Xie Feng, the commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in Hong Kong, has delivered a message of solidarity to the city. Photo: AFP

Beijing’s top diplomat in Hong Kong has warned other countries against “taking advantage of China” as it battles the deadly coronavirus outbreak, while assuring the city that the central government was supporting a stable supply of daily necessities.

Xie Feng also criticised the “overreaction and fearmongering” of foreign governments.

In a rare move, the commissioner of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong on Friday called a press conference that gathered nearly 60 representatives from consulates and business chambers, as well as selected media, to address concerns over the contagion.

By that morning, more than 29,200 people had been diagnosed with the virus worldwide, mostly in mainland China, with the death toll rising above 635. In Hong Kong, 24 people have been infected, one fatally.

“We hope the international community and friends from the media will speak up for justice and act fairly, view China’s response in an objective and impartial manner, and recognise the courageous efforts made by the Chinese people,” he said.

He lauded “China’s speed” in responding to the fast-spreading virus, noting in particular the scientists in the country taking only a week to identify the pathology of the virus, and the building in just 10 days of a new hospital in Wuhan, the central mainland city where the outbreak began. Xie added that China had kept the public and the world informed in an “open, transparent and responsible spirit”, and urged backing from the international community.

“In the face of an epidemic ... one can’t just look out and care only for oneself, or undercut others by making irresponsible remarks. Still less can you take advantage of others’ misfortune,” Xie said, without naming any particular country.

“We hope countries will respect the professional and authoritative advice by the World Health Organisation (WHO), maintain normal economic cooperation, trade and people-to-people exchanges with China, and stop overreaction and fearmongering.”

We understand and respect the necessary precautions taken by some countries, such as introducing quarantine measures for Chinese visitors at borders. But some countries have overreacted, such as identifying the virus with a particular nationality, region or race Xie Feng, commissioner of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong

Xie’s comments came after the Chinese Foreign Ministry thanked countries for sending help, and a spokesman criticised the United States for not providing “substantive help” to China, and being among the first to withdraw consulate staff members from Wuhan.

China faces increasing isolation, the pathogen having prompted entry restrictions on Chinese globally, with the US and Australia leading a growing list of at least 80 countries which have imposed limits ranging from a complete bar on Chinese visitors to quarantine measures. The virus has spread to more than two dozen countries and was identified as a public health emergency by the WHO last week.

“We understand and respect the necessary precautions taken by some countries, such as introducing quarantine measures for Chinese visitors at borders. But some countries have overreacted, such as identifying the virus with a particular nationality, region or race. We hope they will correct their wrongdoings. The WHO has not recommended evacuation of diplomats and citizens, we hope they will seriously reconsider,” Xie said.

He also took the chance to hit out at anti-Asian racism and xenophobia that the outbreak has stoked on social media, and which members of Asian diaspora communities have experienced around the world.

Xie cited examples of Chinese passport holders being “interrogated” for hours at airports, people being “beaten up for having Chinese faces”, and people being avoided for wearing masks on public transport.

He also attempted to temper fears over a decoupling effect on the Chinese economy, saying “it is too soon to quantify its economic fallout”.

On Hong Kong, he noted there had been panic buying of food and other necessities.

He gave the assurance: “The Chinese government and the [city] government will continue to ensure supply, not only of tissues, but rice, drinking water, meat and so on, to Hong Kong.”

“Rumour itself is a dangerous virus which will cause panic and chaos,” he added, responding to the emergence of fake news surrounding the contagion.

“It will only damage control of the virus. Don’t be misled by rumours.”

Fears that border restrictions set to come into force at the weekend would leave Hong Kong with shortages of basic necessities has driven residents to shops all over the city in the last few days.

The commissioner was asked on Friday by a representative from Myanmar’s consulate in Hong Kong about the supply of toilet paper and tissues, which have been flying off the shelves in the city.

Xie responded by saying a major supplier in Hong Kong stressed on Thursday it had no problem meeting demand.