On 18 March, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Wang noted that under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, the Chinese people have engaged in an extraordinary battle against the outbreak. The dawn of victory is breaking. China will enhance its coordinated response. China will do everything possible to solidify the hard-won gains at home and prevent imported infections. China is making paralleled efforts to normalize economic activity and minimize the damage of the epidemic. China has been acting in an open, transparent and responsible manner in sharing information and engaging in cooperation with WHO and the global community. China's efforts have not only protected the life and health of its own people, but also bought precious time for other countries and contributed significantly to global public health. As the situation improves at home, China is doing what it can to help countries in need for the sake of mankind's shared destiny and future.

Wang expressed deep appreciation to Russia for President Putin's letter of solidarity to President Xi and Russia's timely help during China's tough fight against the epidemic. As each other's comprehensive strategic partners of coordination for a new era, China will fully work with Russia to fight the epidemic together. China has responded to Russia's need to purchase medical supplies as a special and urgent priority. To reciprocate Russia's support and assistance, China will favorably consider providing much-needed assistance to Russia.

Wang stressed that virus respects no borders. It is a common enemy of mankind and thus requires a united response from the international community. Certain country has sought to stigmatize China, turning a blind eye to the huge sacrifice of the Chinese people for the health and safety of all mankind and trying to discredit China's important contribution to global public health security. Such attempts will find no popular support and are only doomed to fail. We believe that any country with a sense of responsibility will firmly oppose labeling the virus, which is entirely unjustified.

Lavrov commended China for the forceful and effective action it has taken under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, which has resulted in the significant improvement of the situation domestically. Russia expresses its sincere congratulations to China on its success in combating COVID-19 and thanks China for quickly agreeing to Russia's purchase of medical supplies. Russia fully shares China's opposition to labeling the virus and stigmatizing specific countries. In responding to the epidemic, all countries should learn from China and, for major countries, act in ways befitting a major country. The international relations are facing critical challenges and threats. This is the time for solidarity, not opportunism.