On 26 May, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Chingiz Aidarbekov on the phone.

Wang noted that the virus attacks all mankind regardless of national boundaries. As friendly neighbors connected by mountains and rivers, China and Kyrgyzstan have every reason to stand shoulder to shoulder in fighting COVID-19. China appreciates Kyrgyzstan's support for its battle against the virus. We are deeply touched that the Kyrgyz embassy in Beijing flied its flag at half-staff on China's national day of mourning last month and the embassy staff donated one day's salary to support China.

Wang stressed that China knows exactly what Kyrgyzstan is going through and is more than willing to offer help to the best of its ability. We will facilitate Kyrgyzstan's purchase of medical supplies from China and share our experience in containment and treatment.

Given the negative impact of COVID-19 on the economies of both countries, Wang underscored the imperative for the two sides to sustain the momentum for cooperation and work together to overcome the difficulties. To this end, the two countries need to ensure the unimpeded flow of people and supplies essential for our major cooperation projects and expand bilateral trade while implementing sound containment measures. The two countries also need to tap into the potential of cooperation in such areas as healthcare and traditional Chinese medicine and work together to build a community of health for all.

On the decision of China's National People's Congress to establish and improve, in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law, a legal system and enforcement mechanisms at the State level for safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Wang emphasized that the decision targets a very narrow category of acts that seriously jeopardize national security and has no impact on Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy, the lawful rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents or the legitimate rights and interests of foreign investors in Hong Kong. It will only improve Hong Kong's legal system and social order, protect the basic principle of "one country, two systems" and safeguard Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability. Certain countries biased against China have made unfounded accusations. We firmly oppose such interference in China's internal affairs and trust that Kyrgyzstan will understand and support China's position.

Aidarbekov said Kyrgyzstan sees China as a good neighbor, good friend and good partner, and is committed to developing good-neighborly and friendly ties with China. He expressed deep appreciation to the Chinese government and people for their solidarity and huge support and assistance when Kyrgyzstan is doing its utmost to fight COVID-19.

With COVID-19 affecting its economic and social development, Kyrgyzstan hopes to deepen cooperation with China, including by advancing the major Belt and Road projects and expanding exports to China, so as to boost employment and growth, and minimize the impact of the virus.

Kyrgyzstan maintains that Taiwan and Hong Kong are China's internal affairs and will continue to firmly uphold the one-China policy and support the principle of "one country, two systems" and the measures taken by the Chinese government to safeguard China's sovereignty, security and stability.