BRUSSELS, March 11 (Xinhua) -- As confirmed COVID-19 cases in Italy topped 10,000, China is lending a helping hand to Europe's worst-hit country, returning the kindness that Italy has offered when China was at its nadir in the fight against the novel coronavirus.
A friend in need is a friend indeed. After the outbreak of the epidemic in China, Italy sent a chartered plane of medical supplies to China, and organized a special concert in its presidential palace, which was broadcast live by state-run RAI radio and TV channels.
These actions were stellar examples of Italy's support for China's arduous battle against the virus and the friendship between the two peoples. As Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday told Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio over the phone, the Chinese people will not forget Italy's precious support.
The epidemic knows no borders and has now hit more countries. Facing a mounting challenge to public health posed by the virus, Italy has imposed COVID-19 quarantine measures on the entire country.
Even though China still needs a large amount of medical supplies, Wang made it clear that the country, despite its difficulties, stands ready to provide Italy with medical supplies including face masks, and accelerate the export of supplies and equipment to meet Italy's urgent need.
Meanwhile, as China's efforts have yielded progress in the fight against the virus, China's experience could be helpful for other countries when it comes to saving more lives around the globe. Di Maio said the Italian government is paying close attention to and learning from China's success in its fight against the virus, taking strong measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
In addition to its friendly interactions with Italy, China, upholding the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, has already provided medical supplies to such countries as South Korea and Japan, where the epidemic situation is severe, and sent expert teams to such countries as Iran and Iraq, in an effort to offer advice and share its experience.
The COVID-19 epidemic is a sober reminder that no one is immune to such a global challenge, and cooperation and solidarity are needed to confront it.
In this regard, more countries should join forces to encourage and support each other, just like what China and Italy have done. Similarly, it is hoped that countries will stand in solidarity in the face of other global challenges in the future.
