Playing a Critical Role

When the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in the city of Wuhan, China took the unprecedented measure of locking it down. The efficiency of policies is demonstrated by results. A few weeks after the outbreak, diffi cult decisions seem to be vindicated. Despite precaution and systematic controls that are still needed, life is gradually returning to normal.

　　New cases are mostly imported ones, requiring airport checks and quarantine to prevent another contagion. The Guardian acknowledged China’s success by calling Wuhan’s lockdown strategy “effective.” And Time magazine asserted that “China’s draconian lockdown [is] getting credit for slowing coronavirus.”

　　An important part of China’s strategy was to closely collaborate with the World Health Organization (WHO). The organization’s director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has praised China’s efforts to contain the virus.

　　While there is much discussion about COVID-19 by experts and non-experts, Chinese biologists and doctors—at the beginning—had to fi ght against an unknown virus to save lives while protecting themselves. As Chinese President Xi Jinping said during the Group of 20 (G20) leaders’ virtual meeting on March 26, the COVID-19 outbreak caught us all by surprise. Of course, some of the criticism is fair.

　　The Chinese Government has acknowledged mistakes. And it has expressed gratitude to countries which immediately offered humanitarian assistance. But if there is one thing that is unacceptable, it is social stigma. Several examples can be found during the pandemic that have naturally caused anger in Beijing. The expression “Chinese virus” used by U.S. President Donald Trump is the most notable one. WHO has published a guide to prevent and address social stigma. It refers to the negative association between a person or group of people who share certain characteristics and a specifi c disease. As COVID-19 is not fully understood by most people, stereotypes tend to become a recurrent feature and are often associated with political games and the favorite theme of the Western discourse: China’s development. But if we now look back at the beginning of January, we can see that the Chinese battle against COVID-19 bought time for other countries.

　　From the very beginning, neutral observers have not joined the anti-China trend in the West but have warned that COVID-19 respects no borders. The G20 summit statement re-fl ects this.

　　What currently matters more is tangible action to end this nightmare. China is playing a critical role in that regard. It is providing medical help to countries in need. ChinaItaly relations, for instance, are reaching new heights in difficult times. Italy’s Permanent Representative to the EU Maurizio Massari wrote in his article for Politico that only China has responded bilaterally. This is also the case in Spain. Pictures and videos of Chinese planes delivering medical supplies across the globe are being published almost daily.

　　Yet, China’s critics remain suspicious. Some talk about the Communist Party of China’s publicity efforts. Others prefer to link the stance of Beijing to its alleged responsibility for the outbreak of COVID-19. Nonetheless, countries and people suffering from the virus are full of appreciation. This is China’s biggest reward and investment for the future.

　　In his speech at the G20 leaders’ meeting, Xi reiterated China’s determination to share good practices, conduct joint research and development of drugs and vaccines and provide assistance. International cooperation and greater synergies are required, he repeated.

　　When Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928, he could not rely on the experience of Chinese, Russian and U.S.

　　researchers in using mold for its antibiotic activity. In the 21st century, where digital, technological and other unprecedented means are available, opportunities for collaboration should not be missed because of political myopia and ideological bias.