BEIJING: The coronavirus epidemic that has killed more than 2,400 people is communist China's "largest public health emergency" since its founding in 1949, said President Xi Jinping on Sunday (Feb 23).
It is necessary to learn from "obvious shortcomings exposed" during China's response, Xi added at an official meeting to coordinate the virus fight – a rare acknowledgement by a Chinese leader.
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Interactive: COVID-19 cases worldwide
The new coronavirus has drawn comparisons to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak of 2002-2003 which killed nearly 650 people across mainland China and Hong Kong, and led to criticism over authorities' cover-up.
While China has been praised by the World Health Organization for its handling of the epidemic this time, the death of whistleblower doctor Li Wenliang, who was reprimanded for warning about the virus, sparked calls for political reform and freedom of speech in the country.
In comments reported by state broadcaster CCTV on Sunday, Xi said the epidemic "has the fastest transmission, widest range of infection and has been the most difficult to prevent and control".
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"This is a crisis for us and it is a big test," he said.
Xi's comments come as the number of virus infections hit almost 77,000 in mainland China – with countries such as South Korea on high alert and Italy taking containment measures as well.
Xi acknowledged that the epidemic will "inevitably have a large impact on the economy and society", but he stressed the effects will be "short-term" and controRead More – Source
BEIJING: The coronavirus epidemic that has killed more than 2,400 people is communist China's "largest public health emergency" since its founding in 1949, said President Xi Jinping on Sunday (Feb 23).
It is necessary to learn from "obvious shortcomings exposed" during China's response, Xi added at an official meeting to coordinate the virus fight – a rare acknowledgement by a Chinese leader.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Interactive: COVID-19 cases worldwide
The new coronavirus has drawn comparisons to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak of 2002-2003 which killed nearly 650 people across mainland China and Hong Kong, and led to criticism over authorities' cover-up.
While China has been praised by the World Health Organization for its handling of the epidemic this time, the death of whistleblower doctor Li Wenliang, who was reprimanded for warning about the virus, sparked calls for political reform and freedom of speech in the country.
In comments reported by state broadcaster CCTV on Sunday, Xi said the epidemic "has the fastest transmission, widest range of infection and has been the most difficult to prevent and control".
Advertisement
Advertisement
"This is a crisis for us and it is a big test," he said.
Xi's comments come as the number of virus infections hit almost 77,000 in mainland China – with countries such as South Korea on high alert and Italy taking containment measures as well.
Xi acknowledged that the epidemic will "inevitably have a large impact on the economy and society", but he stressed the effects will be "short-term" and controRead More – Source
