(Fighting against New Coronary Pneumonia) China: No increase or relaxation of relevant epidemic prevention regulations because of who is a foreign citizen
China News Service, Beijing, April 7 (Huang Yuqin) In response to rising media sentiment that China is importing xenophobia to prevent epidemic outbreaks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian made a three-point response at a regular press conference on April 7. He emphasized that China did not increase or relax the relevant epidemic prevention regulations because it is a foreign citizen.
A reporter asked, since China tightened the immigration control measures for foreigners to prevent the importation of the epidemic, there have been reports of foreigners complaining about discrimination in China, and they think that China's xenophobia has increased. What is your comment?
Zhao Lijian made three responses to this issue: First, China always attaches great importance to the safety and health of foreign citizens in China and protects their legitimate rights and interests according to law. The virus is sentimental. Since the outbreak, Chinese departments and local governments have done their utmost to protect their living, epidemic prevention, and medical needs, and treat foreign citizens infected with new crown pneumonia in China without delay. The vast majority of foreign citizens in China highly appreciate the efforts and results of the Chinese people's unity in fighting the epidemic, express heartfelt thanks to China for their care and attention, and fully cooperate with China's epidemic prevention and control measures. Many foreign friends volunteered and volunteered to join the Chinese anti-epidemic team, leaving behind a moving story of Chinese and foreign friends working together to overcome difficulties.
Second, China opposes all forms of discrimination and prejudice. According to the development of the epidemic situation, China will dynamically adjust the inspection, quarantine, prevention and control measures for foreigners coming to China after entering the country. These measures are temporary measures that China has to take in order to respond to the current epidemic and refer to the practices of many countries. In doing so, China is responsible for both Chinese citizens and foreign citizens. We always treat foreign citizens and citizens of our country equally and implement corresponding measures without distinction, taking full account of the reasonable concerns of the parties and respecting their religion and customs. We have not added additional anti-epidemic measures because of who is a foreign citizen. Of course, we will not reduce or relax the relevant epidemic prevention regulations just because who is a foreign citizen.
Third, all foreigners in China should strictly abide by the relevant laws of the People's Republic of China Infectious Disease Prevention Law and relevant regulations on epidemic prevention and control in various places. We hope that foreign citizens in China can continue to fully understand and actively cooperate with the prevention and control measures taken by China, jointly prevent the risks brought by the epidemic, maintain the health and safety of themselves and others, and make their own contributions to finally defeat the epidemic. (Finish)