On January 31st, 2020, Chinese Ambassador to India H.E. Sun Weidong gave interview to Asian News International(ANI). The main content of the interviews is as follows:

　　Q:Please elaborate on the key steps which Chinese government is taking to control the situation ?

　　A: Since the outbreak of the epidemic, President Xi Jinping has attached great importance and given several important instructions. The CPC Central Committee has set up a leading group for comprehensive prevention and control of the epidemic. The Chinese Government and people are making every effort to combat the epidemic. The central and local government have built an all-round and multi-level prevention and control system focusing on Wuhan city and Hubei province. We are advancing the battle in an open, transparent, scientific and orderly manner.

　　We are now strengthening case treatment to reduce severe and fatal cases. We set up a national expert group on scientific research to speed up the development of vaccines. We accelerate the approval and clinical use of drugs proven to be effective against the virus.

　　The State Council of China has established a unified national dispatch system for epidemic prevention and control materials to timely coordinate the dispatch of medical personnel, medical supplies and daily necessities.

　　As the Director-General of WHO Dr.Tedros said, the speed with which China detected the outbreak, isolated the virus, sequenced the genome and shared it with WHO and the world are very impressive, and beyond words. So is China's commitment to transparency and to supporting other countries.

　　Q: How is the ground situation after outbreak of Corona virus in China ? Is the situation getting better ?

　　A: We are now in a critical period of epidemic control. We have found confirmed cases in 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in Mainland China, and in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions.

　　One important reason for the rapid increase in confirmed cases is that China has developed effective coronavirus-detection reagent in a short time, so we are able to quickly identify infected people.

　　I can share with you that, as of tonight, there are 218 confirmed patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals.

　　You can see the epidemic is generally preventable, controllable and curable. China's system enables us to mobilize all the resources for big undertakings. We have full confidence and capability to win the battle against the epidemic.

　　Q:Please brief us on China's cooperation with the international community during this battle against the epidemic .WHO has declared the epidemic a public health emergency of international concern(PHEIC),what's your comment?

　　A: While fighting the epidemic, the Chinese Government carried out international cooperation with openness, transparency and high sense of responsibility. We shared information of the epidemic and the genetic sequence of coronavirus with WHO, relevant nations and regions in a timely manner. Chinese diplomatic missions overseas also communicate closely with the host governments in this regard.

　　We have noticed the declaration made by WHO. I would also like to quote a few words from WHO Director-General Dr.Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus:"this declaration is not a vote of no confidence in China. On the contrary, WHO continues to have confidence in China's capacity to control the outbreak. China's efforts to combat the disease deserve respect and appreciation. In fact, many of the prevention and containment measures China has taken far exceed relevant requirements for dealing with emergencies. In many ways, China is actually setting a new standard for outbreak response." He stressed that the WHO disfavors or even opposes imposing travel or trade restrictions on China.

　　Q:We have seen Wuhan is worst affected ? City is in complete lockdown ? Brief us about situation ?

　　A:Wuhan is the origin of the epidemic and the core area of prevention and control. In order to contain the spread of the epidemic,Wuhan has put restrictions in place for urban transport and movement of people to curb the spread of the virus into larger areas. These are strict, decisive but necessary measures to control the epidemic in a bid to bring the situation back to normal as soon as possible.

　　I'd like to highlight three points. Firstly, China with all her might supports Wuhan and Hubei. Entrusted by President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang went to Wuhan to give directions to the prevention and control work. As of January 30, over 50 medical teams with over 6,000 doctors and nurses have arrived in Hubei to support the battle against the epidemic. Donations of money and materials have poured into the region.

　　Secondly, The Chinese government has mobilized national resources and opened green channels to ensure the supply of medical equipments and living materials in Hubei. All supermarkets are open, the commodity prices are stable and supplies of daily necessities are sufficient in Wuhan.

　　Thirdly, a few tips for epidemic prevention. Wear masks outdoors, wash your hands frequently and properly, exercise regularly, avoid close contact with people who have flu or cold-like symptoms. If you follow the professional guidance, your health and safety could be ensured. There is no need to be panic or overact.

　　Q:Will China allow India to evacuate its citizens ?If yes ,When can we expect evacuation to begin ?

　　A: As a responsible country, China has always given top priority to the health and safety of all Chinese and foreign nationals in Wuhan, and we will continue to do so.

　　China has been in communication with India to keep it informed of the development of the epidemic and China's prevention and control efforts. We have done a lot of work to ensure the health and safety of Indian nationals in China. We believe that through bilateral cooperation, India's concerns can be properly addressed.

　　As far as I know, just now, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a telephone conversation with External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar. State Councilor Wang said, the Chinese government and people are making every effort to combat the epidemic. We have taken the most comprehensive and rigorous prevention and control measures. Many of these measures go well beyond the requirements of the International Health Regulations. Countries around the world and WHO have fully recognized this.

　　We pay close attention to the report of one confirmed case of pneumonia in India. I would like to express my sympathy to the patient and her family, and wish her an early recovery.

　　I want to point out that China is ready to cooperate with India to respond to the outbreak and work together to prevent and control the epidemic. We also hope India will continue to give understanding and support to China's efforts in this regard.