Invited by the government of Uruguay, Li Ganjie, President Xi Jinping's special envoy and Minister of Ecology and Environment, will attend the power handover ceremony of the Uruguayan President in Montevideo on March 1.

Invited by head of Japan's National Security Council Shigeru Kitamura, Yang Jiechi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, will visit Japan and have a new round of China-Japan high-level political dialogue from February 28 to 29.

Before we begin the Q&A session, I'd like to share some figures with you. According to the NHC update this morning, February 26 saw 2,750 patients cured and discharged from hospital in China's mainland, bringing the total number of cured cases to 32,495 as of 24:00, February 26.

Q: You just announced Director Yang Jiechi's upcoming visit to Japan. Does China have any expectations for the visit?

A: Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the Japanese government and people have lent sincere and friendly support to China, and the two sides have helped and cooperated with each other in fighting the epidemic. This shows that China and Japan, as close neighbors, stand together with mutual assistance amid difficulties, which is an epitome of friendship between the two peoples. Director Yang's visit to Japan at this particular time fully showcases the high importance China attaches to its relations with Japan. The two sides will exchange in-depth views on China-Japan relationship, joint fight against the epidemic and other issues of mutual interest. We hope that this visit will help implement important consensus between leaders of the two countries, enhance high-level strategic communication, strengthen cooperation in epidemic response and move forward bilateral relations.

Q: The COVID-19 situation in the ROK and Japan has become increasingly severe, which has attracted a lot of attention from the international community including China. Is China considering enhancing cooperation with the two countries in fighting against the epidemic together?

A: We have been closely following the developments of the epidemic in the ROK and Japan. We have received great support and help from the ROK and Japanese governments and people in our fight against the epidemic, to which we are deeply grateful, and we certainly can relate to what they are going through at the moment. As friendly, close neighbors, China, Japan and the ROK are a community with a shared future in the face of the epidemic. China will not be absent in our two neighbors' fights against the epidemic.

Under the current circumstance, we stand ready to improve and strengthen our emergency communication and coordination mechanism on public health and epidemic prevention with the ROK and Japan, enhance information sharing on the epidemic, exchange related experiences and technologies, and conduct cooperation on diagnosis, treatment and medicine and vaccine R&D.

To coordinate epidemic prevention and control efforts, China is ready to work with the two countries to strengthen regulation at entry and exit points, step up inspection and quarantine, and cut down unnecessary cross-border travels.

As the fight has come to a crucial stage at home, we still want to do as much as we can to help the ROK and Japan. "Are you not battle-dressed? Let us share armor and the rest!". It is exactly how China, Japan and the ROK are looking after each other and tiding over difficulties together.

Q: Can you give us more information on the schedule of Mongolian President Khaltmaa Battulga's visit to China, which was announced this morning by the Foreign Ministry?

A: Mongolia is China's friendly neighbor. After the COVID-19 broke out, the Mongolian government and people have supported China in various means. President Khaltmaa Battulga specifically pays this visit to China to express firm support, and we applaud that. President Khaltmaa Battulga is the first head of state to visit China after the epidemic outbreak, demonstrating deep friendship that Mongolia shares with us.

During the visit, President Xi Jinping will have talks with President Khaltmaa Battulga and Premier Li Keqiang will meet with him. Under the strong political guidance of leaders from both sides, I believe China-Mongolia comprehensive strategic partnership will be brought to a higher level.

Q: The Mongolian government has called on all sectors at home to provide support to China. The Mongolian Ministry of Nature, Environment and Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Finance organized a fundraiser under the slogan of "warm support for our permanent neighbor". What's your comment?

A: We noticed the heartwarming report on such a heartwarming action. Since the COVID-19 broke out, the Mongolian government and people have supported China in various means, showcasing the deep friendship that Mongolia shares with us.

Linked by mountains and rivers, Mongolia and China are good neighbors, good friends and good partners. A close neighbor means more than a distant relative and a friend in need is a friend indeed. I believe such bonds of mutual assistance will cement traditional friendship between the two peoples and move forward our bilateral relations.  

Q: Sources say that China will provide additional medical supplies to help Japan tackle the COVID-19 epidemic soon. Can you confirm that? Do you have any comment?

A: The Japanese government and people have given strong support and help to China's fight against the COVID-19 outbreak, which will not be forgotten. Facing the latest situation of the epidemic, China is ready to share information and experiences with the Japanese side and provide support and assistance to the best of our ability while fighting the epidemic at home. This is what we should do for Japan as we are close neighbors helping each other during times of adversity. The Chinese side has delivered a batch of testing kits to the Japanese side. After discussions between the two sides, China will provide other medical supplies to Japan, too, of which the first batch will arrive in Japan today. We will give positive consideration to any further needs put up by the Japanese side.