Chinese respond to call of duty as world wages war against virus: China Daily editorial

Now that the spread of the novel coronavirus that is ravaging the world has largely been brought under control in China, the country is intent on doing what it can to support other countries in their fight against the virus.

Being the first country to get a tight hold on the virus, which has enabled it to get its manufacturing running again after it was put into suspended animation, China's support is not only the sharing of experience but also practical assistance in the form of essential equipment.

The country, which is the world's largest producer of surgical masks, protective apparel and breathing machines, and an important exporter of bulk pharmaceutical chemicals, has already donated badly needed epidemic control materials to more than 80 countries around the world, and Chinese companies are running at full speed around the clock to provide for the needs of the global market.

Local governments, enterprises, individuals and social organizations are also donating much-needed items to the international community through various channels.

Highlighting China's role as the main arsenal for the global war against the virus, the number of cargo aircraft shuttling between China and elsewhere carrying epidemic control materials and equipment continues to rise.

China has exported more than 1,700 breathing machines since March 19, and eight manufacturers of breathing machines that are qualified to produce for the European Union market have signed orders to make about 20,000 machines. The workers and engineers in these companies and the enterprises producing other badly needed items work on three shifts a day around the clock as they know their products save lives.

In the wake of the outbreak of the virus in China, the country received heart-warming support of various kinds from many countries and a number of international and regional organizations, which consolidated the Chinese people's confidence that they would be able to overcome the virus.

It is now a consensus among the Chinese people that until the virus is defeated around the world, they will do all they can to combat it. So, knowing that the more they produce, the more they contribute to the global battle, it is with a great sense of urgency and responsibility that they are getting back to work.

Apart from the epidemic control items, China has also increased its production and exports of life necessities, and it has been making every effort to guarantee the smooth operation of the international cargo transportation to maintain the stability of the global supply chains.

China hopes that its experiences and practical support will instill confidence that the world can get the better of the virus and help provide the means for it to do so.