China, Asean foreign ministers begin emergency meeting on coronavirus in Vientiane
- The event is the first major multilateral meeting seeking a coordinated effort to combat the public health crisis
- A day before, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi met his Philippine and Singapore counterparts and thanked them for supporting China ‘in difficult times’
As leaders joined hands for a photo at the start of the event, the crowd cheered and called out: “Stay strong Wuhan, stay strong China, stay strong Asean.” A video showing comments by Asean leaders on the outbreak, including from Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Thai leader Prayuth Chan-ocha, was also screened.
In an opening speech, Locsin said apart from the health impacts of the Covid-19 disease, the outbreak has been “massively detrimental” to trade, travel, and the global economy.
While acknowledging China’s handling of the virus was “unprecedented” and “quick”, the Philippine minister stressed the need for collective efforts, saying that states hoped to work toward a “consolidated response”.
“Enemies such as the Covid-19 demand action, compassion, and cooperation,” Locsin said. “Strengthening cooperation can help pave the way to subduing this enemy.”