Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held phone talks with Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs Marise Payne on Wednesday at the latter's request, discussing the situation about the epidemic of the novel coronavirus in China.

Noting that the Australian government firmly supports the Chinese government and people in their fight against the new coronavirus epidemic, Payne expressed appreciation to China for sharing information in time and actively communicating with the international community openly and transparently when dealing with the epidemic.

Australia is willing to continue to keep close communication and coordination with the Chinese side and provide necessary assistance to help China overcome the epidemic, Payne said.

For his part, Wang said the Chinese government and people are making every effort to fight the epidemic, noting that a nationwide mechanism has been established and decisive measures are being taken to push forward the epidemic prevention and control in a scientific, orderly and precise manner.

Given the current situation, the epidemic is generally preventable, controllable, and curable, Wang said, adding that China has the confidence and ability to win the fight against the outbreak.

The Chinese government, in an open, transparent and responsible manner, has been promptly releasing information about the epidemic situation to the public and the international community, responding to concerns of all sides and strengthening international cooperation, Wang said.

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Wang noted that during the recent visit to China, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), fully recognized a series of strict and effective measures taken by China to combat the new virus epidemic, and expressed his confidence in China's capability to prevent and control the epidemic

The WHO, from a professional perspective, disapproves of making people move in haste at this moment, he said.

The Chinese side will make all efforts to safeguard the health and safety of all Chinese and foreigners in Wuhan, Wang said, adding that China is ready to maintain communication and coordination with Australia to jointly safeguard global health security.

Wang also had a phone conversation with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan regarding the issue on Wednesday. Balakrishnan applauded China's efforts in prioritizing and safeguarding public health, saying Singapore has full confidence in China's fight against coronavirus outbreak.

(With input from Xinhua)

(Cover: Medical workers at a hospital in Wuhan, China, January 28, 2020. /Xinhua Photo)