President Xi Jinping spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron on the phone on the afternoon of 18 February.

Xi thanked and commended President Macron for calling again to express solidarity and support at a critical moment of China's fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This speaks volumes about the profound friendship between the two countries, the strength of China-France comprehensive strategic partnership, and President Macron's personal commitment to China and the bilateral relations.

Xi underscored that China has mobilized all sectors of society and made holistic arrangements in responding to the outbreak. The whole country is united as one in a people's war against the epidemic. With its strong mobilization capability, composite strengths and experience in handling public health emergencies, China will win this battle. The measures are producing positive results. While doing a good job of epidemic control, the Chinese government is also supporting and facilitating the resumption of work and production by enterprises and public institutions to ensure sufficient provisions. The impact of the epidemic on the Chinese economy will be temporary. We are confident that with strong efforts, we will still meet the targets set for this year's economic and social development.

Xi said that trying times reveal true friendship. China is not only protecting the lives and health of its own people, but also showing a strong sense of responsibility for global public health security. While we mainly rely on our own people to fight the epidemic, we appreciate the assistance from the international community. China has been working with France and other countries in an open and transparent manner to deal with the outbreak. China hopes to strengthen cooperation with France in the field of health and work together to ensure public health security at regional and international levels.

President Macron once again expressed his solidarity for the Chinese government and people as they are united in this fight against the outbreak, as well as his admiration for China's timely, vigorous measures and high degree of openness and transparency. He offered that France is ready to provide further assistance on top of the medical provisions already delivered. France respects WHO's professional recommendations and has responded in a generally objective way. The French consulate-general in Wuhan is still in operation. France will continue to work with China to fight the epidemic and, in this process, enhance bilateral cooperation in the health sector.