ASEAN Supports China's Epidemic Response in Statement

On 15 February, ASEAN chair Vietnam issued a Chairman's Statement supporting China's endeavors to address the novel coronavirus (or COVID-19) outbreak and emphasizing the importance of ASEAN solidarity in fighting the outbreak.

In the statement, ASEAN expressed its heartfelt support for the government and people of China, and for all countries around the world, in their tremendous endeavors to address the outbreak. ASEAN is working in collaboration with China, Japan and the ROK in the prevention and control of the outbreak, and resolves to intensify timely sharing of information, experiences and best practices among ASEAN Member States and with China, other partners countries, WHO and other international organizations.

ASEAN leaders expressed serious concerns over the outbreak and emphasized the spirit of a cohesive and responsive ASEAN Community in facing the outbreak. They stressed the important role of WHO in the global campaign to control and contain the spread of COVID-19 and commended their efforts in addressing the outbreak. ASEAN Member States need to further strengthen coordination, ensure that the people are rightly and thoroughly informed, and work closely with the international community.