Xi says China to help Korea in COVID-19 fight
Chinese President Xi Jinping talks by video with patients and medical workers at the Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan in central China's Hubei Province, Tuesday, March 10, 2020. Xinhua via AP
By Jung Min-ho
Chinese President Xi Jinping has offered his condolences to Korea for the first time since the global outbreak of COVID-19, saying China “stands ready” to help Korea fight the spread of the coronavirus.
In a message of sympathy sent to President Moon Jae-in, Xi said the two nations are friendly neighbors that “help each other and stick together through thick and thin,”
, China's official news agency, reported Saturday.
Xi also appreciated Moon's recent comment that “China's difficulties are Korea's difficulties.”
Xi noted epidemics know no borders, and all countries worldwide are part of a community with a shared future, and that the Chinese government empathizes with Korea in its struggle.
He said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Korea relations, and is willing to work with Moon to lift the partnership to higher levels.