China appreciates Japanese understanding, support in fighting epidemic


A Japanese woman records a presentation while wearing a mask during the Sapporo Snow Festival at Odori Park in Sapporo, Japan, on Tuesday (Feb 4). Many Japanese people have been sending good luck and cheering the Chinese as the country battles the coronavirus epidemic. The Chinese Govt thanks the Japanese people for their support on Tuesday. - AP
BEIJING: China appreciates Japanese sympathy, understanding and support in China's fight against novel coronavirus epidemic, according to a Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Tuesday (Feb 4).

Government spokesperson Hua Chunying made the remarks at a press briefing online when asked to comment on Japanese netizens' messages cheering for Wuhan, the epicentre of the epidemic, and capital of central China's Hubei Province.

Since the outbreak of the epidemic, the Japanese government and people from all walks of life have expressed sympathy, understanding and support to China, Hua said.

Hua said the Japanese government made it clear very soon after the outbreak of the epidemic that it will do whatever needed to help China fight the epidemic.

The Japanese governmental organisations and businesses have donated large batches of masks, goggles and protective suits, to help epidemic prevention and control in China, according to Hua.

Words such as "Though miles apart, we are under the same sky" "Together we stand, my armours are yours" are written on the goods donated to Wuhan, Hua said, adding that "Going online, we can see slogans put up at many drug stores in Japan reading 'Stay strong, China' 'Come on, Wuhan'".

"The Tokyo Skytree has been lit up red and blue to cheer up and pray for China," Hua said.

She also said that in response to the extreme and discriminatory words uttered by some countries, officials from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare countered at the press conference that what is at fault here is the virus, definitely not people.

"I believe many Chinese netizens have also noticed these heartwarming details," Hua said. "We thank those countries for their sympathy, understanding and support during this difficult time. We will keep these in our heart."

China will continue to work with the international community to fight and prevail over the epidemic with all-out efforts, and return to normal life at an early date and continue friendly exchanges with people from all countries, Hua said. - Xinhua/Asian News Network

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Regional

Indonesia to establish national peatland, mangrove agency to curb recurring fires
Taxi driver killed, 11 others injured as vehicle hits Discovery Bay bus and truck
TikTok darling and Cambodia's famous daughter Princess Norodom Jenna will headline the opening ceremony of the Asean Hyundai Cup
Trump touts Iran inspection deal as Tehran disputes claim
9.3 million�illicit cigarettes seized by Customs
Japan 'robot wolves' in high demand to scare off bears
Lula won’t sideline China or anyone in rare earths, tells Trump refining stays in Brazil
Asean still not ready to accept Myanmar leaders at summits, meetings, says Tok Mat
Anwar holds bilateral talks with S'pore, Laos counterparts
Asean vows to avoid export bans, share fuel as oil prices soar

Air Pollutant Index

Note: API is calculated based on 24hr running average of the most dominant parameter.

Highest API Readings

    Select State and Location to view the latest API reading

    Others Also Read