In a speech to the World Health Assembly (WHA) on Monday, China defended its coronavirus response. "China has insisted on detecting, reporting, isolating and treating in time. We have been focusing on patients, experts, resources and treatment. After making great efforts and sacrifices, the local transmission of the pandemic has been basically cut off now," said Ma Xiaowei, director of China's National Health Commission, at WHA meeting. 

The WHA is the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), with major functions of determining the policies of the organization, appointing the director-general, and supervising financial policies. 

With a timely, open, transparent and responsible manner, China has kept the international community informed of the pandemic updated, according to Ma. He said China has conducted technical exchanges with other countries and shared information. 

Ma said China remembers the valuable support from the international community and has done its best to provide material and technical assistance to those countries in need. He proposed that all countries support the WHO in its leadership role, and help countries with underdeveloped health systems build resilience. 

(Cover image: Director Ma Xiaowei speaks at the 73rd World Health Assembly. /Xinhua)