The "political virus" made by some Western countries cannot eliminate the "natural virus," said Lin Songtian, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), stressing the need for cooperation in the fight against COVID-19.

Lin made the remarks on Tuesday in a video meeting with leaders of civil organizations from 10 countries that make up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He thanked the ASEAN governments and their people for supporting China in its fight against the virus, saying it represents the sincere friendship between the two sides. He noted that China also supported ASEAN countries after the pandemic spread to the region, and the mutual support has set a model for global cooperation. 

Lin highlighted China's contribution to the global cooperation against COVID-19, hailing Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at the World Health Assembly (WHA) meeting which declared China's strategies in global COVID-19 cooperation. 

Lin stressed that China has always held an open and transparent attitude in coping with COVID-19, and has shared all the information with the World Health Organization. 

"We are firmly opposed to stigmatizing China in any form. China and ASEAN countries should uphold the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, work together to overcome difficulties, and unite to eradicate the pandemic in Asia as soon as possible," said Lin. 

Moreover, leaders of the ASEAN civil organizations briefed the meeting on the pandemic situation in their own countries and spoke highly of China's success in curbing the spread of the virus and saving time for the whole world. They thanked China for sharing its experience and sending medical supplies, equipment and medical experts to ASEAN and other countries, saying they oppose blaming and discriminating against China and Asia for the pandemic.

(Cover: Officials from the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries attend a video meeting with leaders of civil organizations from ASEAN countries. /CPAFFC)