New Delhi:
There is a clear consensus by WHO and the international community that a virus should not be linked to any specific country, region or ethnic group and such stigmatization should be rejected.
The pandemic of influenza in 2009 originated in North America, which WHO didn’t call “North American flu”, rather it was eventually named “Influenza A virus subtype H1N1”.
In the fight against COVID-19, WHO has consistently called on the international community to respect science and respond rationally; and all the governments to educate the public the correct disease naming.
India and China have maintained communication and cooperation and lent support to each other in coping with the epidemic through difficult times. The Indian side has provided medical supplies to China. Indian people have supported China’s fight against the epidemic in various ways. But on 28th March, The Tribune published a paper “it’s getting worse for Xi Jinping”. It is totally wrong to write and publish such news. Firstly, contrary to what mentioned in the paper, President Xi won massive support in China and in this piece of the news , the author quoted many comments from anti-China people who always turn blind eyes to Chinese development; Secondly, India adheres the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which means we should not point fingers to China’s internal politics.
Wang Yi said it’s not acceptable and detrimental to international cooperation to label the virus and stigmatise China, hope India oppose such narrow mindset. Dr. Jaishankar agreed not to label the virus and the international community should send strong signal of solidarity.
— Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) March 24, 2020
Mr. Wang Yi said,we are confident that India can handle and win the battle against COVID-19. China and India should support each other, and jointly safeguard global public health. Dr. Jaishankar thanked China for its sympathy message and assistance of medical materials to India.
— Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) March 24, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic is disturbingly ravaging the world. As UN Secretary General Guterres said, it may be the greatest test for our generation. Faced with this global public health crisis that came at a sudden, the international community must work together in solidarity to overcome it.
Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong recently tweeted, “China & India are partners sailing in the same boat. Facing #COVID19 around the world, we are helping each other. We are confident that we can handle and win the battle with solidarity. It highlights spirit of mutual assistance & working together through thick and thin.”
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On the 70th anniversary of India and China diplomatic relations, PM Modi stated that over the past 70 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, India-China political, economic and cultural relations have expanded steadily. India and China should strengthen coordination and mutual solidarity, and jointly tackle the challenges faced by the world.
(Author Shekhar Kumar is a Research Associate in International Studies)
