Ambassador Chen Xu, one of China’s most senior diplomats, emphasized the importance of implementing COVID-19 measures that are tailored to specific conditions during an interview at Beijing’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, Ambassador Chen spoke against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving situation in Europe. From the Mission, the snow-capped Alps are visible to the east—just 200 kilometers away lies the Swiss border with Italy’s Lombardy province, which was experiencing a significant increase in COVID-19 cases.
By Sunday morning, Italian Prime Minister Antonio Conte had introduced “extraordinary measures” to contain the largest outbreak of COVID-19 in Europe, affecting both Lombardy and the neighboring Veneto region. The capitals of these provinces, Milan and Venice respectively, are crucial to Italy’s economy as centers of finance, fashion, and tourism.
“Each country must assess its own situation and implement measures that are most effective for their specific circumstances,” Ambassador Chen stated. “International cooperation and understanding are vital, but one-size-fits-all approaches may not be practical or beneficial.”
The outbreak in Italy led to immediate disruptions, including the postponement of major sporting events such as Inter Milan’s Serie A football match against Sampdoria, as well as games in Verona, Bergamo, and Turin. Italian authorities expressed concern that the virus might have spread beyond isolated clusters, making containment more challenging.
For Ambassador Chen and his staff, the impact of COVID-19 is personal. Many had planned to return to China for the Lunar New Year to visit family and friends but remained in Switzerland to work tirelessly on diplomatic efforts and to monitor the situation both at home and abroad. The developments in Italy brought the global nature of the pandemic into sharper focus.
“We are deeply concerned about the spread of the virus internationally,” Ambassador Chen remarked. “China is willing to share its experiences and lessons learned in combating COVID-19 to assist other countries in their efforts.”
He highlighted the significance of global solidarity and the exchange of information in managing the pandemic. “By tailoring our strategies to local conditions and collaborating closely, we can more effectively protect public health and minimize the economic and social impact.”
The ambassador’s call for tailored measures reflects a broader understanding that while the virus knows no borders, responses must consider local realities. As countries around the world grapple with the challenges posed by COVID-19, the emphasis on customized strategies and international cooperation remains pivotal.
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Chinese ambassador: COVID-19 measures must be 'tailored to conditions'
cgtn.com
