"In China, the position of [the] CDC (Center for Disease Control & Prevention) is too low," said Zhong Nanshan, head of the high-level expert group appointed by China's National Health Commission to fight the COVID-19.

Zhong made the statement at a press conference held on Thursday in southern China's Guangzhou city.  

The Chinese top respiratory expert said instead of reporting directly to the state brains or policy makers, CDC branches now in China have to report layer by layer. He called on giving the CDC bigger authority so as to improve China's response mechanism of health emergencies.

Long-term epidemic research is needed 

"When SARS broke out and came to an end in 2003, we did have done some research, but couldn't have done more," Zhong added. "This time when we face the novel coronavirus, I feel helpless in the treatment. It's impossible to develop a new drug within 10 days, 20 days or one month. It requires a long-term research and study."

Zhong made the comment when answering a question about how can China improve its response to public health emergencies such as the COVID-19. He reviewed China's great efforts and positive results in the fight against the virus, but didn't avoid mentioning what could have been done better.

Zhong stressed that China is willing to share its experiences with other countries, no matter good or bad. He'll give a lecture to the European Respiratory Society via a video conference this weekend.

(Cover image: Zhong Nanshan, Chinese top respiratory expert, speaks at a press conference in Guangzhou, February 27, 2020. He Weiwei/CGTN)