Chinese people's resilience and efforts will win anti-virus battle

The anticipated agendas of 2020 and the "Year of the Rat" have shifted dramatically with the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Unlike similar outbreaks in the past, the influence of this pandemic on so many aspects of our lives is in part because of the modern age where connectivity, social media and inter-dependency are shaping our reality. The patterns of the spread of the virus as well as the ways to combat it are both governed by the current global environment. The coronavirus outbreak has taken an immense toll on the Chinese people, forcing them to make heavy sacrifices and extreme efforts to contain the spread of the virus in China and across the world.

Living in China, and traveling around different continents over the last few weeks have provided me with additional perspective to appreciate the efforts made by the Chinese people and the Chinese government in combating the novel coronavirus.

I have been asked constantly about the situation in China and the daily reality as it's being portrayed over the last few weeks in our immediate environment in Beijing. My response usually relates to the fact that it is almost impossible to compare the situation in the time period immediately after the Spring Festival holiday and the current situation. The efforts to contain the spread of the virus and to allow the resumption of normal life are visible all around. The sacrifices made are evident to those who live in China and abroad.

Such efforts are remarkable because they were made with the help of individuals and society as a whole that kept on tending to those who fell ill, and in some cases while mourning for the loss of many of their loved ones.

These sacrifices were aimed at not only saving people in China but also containing the outbreak in the country and preventing the virus from spreading to other countries, demonstrating the commitment and responsibility of the Chinese government and people to the safety and health of the world.

The efforts of the Chinese government and people are a true testament of their strength and bravery, even in the direst of times; the images and stories coming out of China display the resilience of the Chinese people, and their dedication to win this battle.

In the early stages, the government and people of Israel showed their support and appreciation to the Chinese people and to their collective effort and determination. Later, as the novel coronavirus made its ways to Israel, one of the tools we have to fight the outbreak is the experience China has already accumulated. up to this point.

We all face the same challenge. The fight against and hopefully upcoming triumph over the novel coronavirus is a common topic in our conversations, our thoughts and our prayers. Both China and Israel are ancient civilizations, which have endured a lot through their long histories. However, as our past teaches us and as the saying goes. "If your mind is strong, all difficult things will become easy…"－the alternative is unacceptable!

Many things might still be unclear; we face great uncertainty and danger. This may very well be a long journey from which we will return not as we were when we started it.

The author is minister, deputy chief of mission, embassy of Israel in China. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.