‘Beijing assessing WHO declaration of Coronavirus as a global emergency’: China’s UN envoy

China’s U.N. ambassador, Zhang Jun said it was important to avoid “overreactions which may result in spill over negative effects.”

China’s UN ambassador, Zhang Jun, said on Thursday Beijing was assessing the World Health Organization’s declaration that the coronavirus outbreak was a global emergency.

People cover their face with masks in light of novel coronavirus scare. (Raj K Raj / Hindustan Times)

“We are still at a very critical stage in fighting the coronavirus. International solidarity is extremely important and for that purpose all countries should behave in a ... responsible manner,” Zhang said.

“While we understand the concerns of other countries, we should also listen to the advice of WHO director-general ... He said he had full confidence in China’s efforts,” Zhang said.

He said it was important to avoid “overreactions which may result in spill over negative effects.”