China hopes for a speedy restoration of contacts with Russia, which have been limited by the coronavirus, Chinese Ambassador to Moscow Zhang Hanhui said.
“I think the epidemic will pass soon. We hope that our contacts and cooperation between China and Russia will be restored as soon as possible. And, of course, between China and other countries. Of course, this epidemic is having a bad impact on our contacts and co-operation”, – he said at the press conference.
On 31 December 2019, Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization about an outbreak of unknown pneumonia in Wuhan city in the central part of the country (Hubei province). Specialists found out that a new coronavirus had become the cause of the disease. WHO recognized the outbreak as an emergency of international importance and gave the disease its official name, COVID-2019.
According to the latest official data, the number of infected in mainland China has already exceeded 77 thousand people, died 2592, cured over 24.7 thousand. According to WHO, outside mainland China in 28 countries identified 1769 cases of infection, 17 – with a fatal outcome.
Russia has taken measures to ensure its security. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed an order prohibiting Chinese citizens from entering Russia for tourism, work and private purposes. The restriction came into force on February 20. It will not affect passengers in transit through Russian airports.