The majority of the world population would agree that we are living in an unpredictable world, a world characterized by many challenges. Regardless of individual strength, no country in the world is or will be immune from these challenges. Indeed, all countries will face at least one of these challenges. But what makes the difference between the countries is how they respond to these challenges.

We’ve been witness to the arduous battle China has been fighting against the novel coronavirus outbreak since January. Despite the sudden epidemic outbreak, China has again emerged as a strong and extremely well organized state. As the situation required, the Chinese government approached this complex problem with all seriousness and implemented a number of stringent measures without hesitation.

The Chinese leadership has shown wisdom and commitment in finding the best possible solution to the problem. Timely, wise and deeply thought-out life-saving decisions have proven effective in dealing with every aspect of this health crisis. One of the measures admired by people and experts across the world was the pace of building hospitals in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province and the epicenter of the outbreak in China, and the engagement of additional medical professionals.

Even in every day circumstances, the Chinese people are well known for their strong sense of community. In these difficult times, this has become even more visible. Examples of good Samaritans are countless and it would be unfair to point out only one. Generally speaking, the attitude of the Chinese people, their awareness of how important it is to adhere to the prescribed safety and security measures to prevent further spread of the virus is more than amazing. It is not about understanding individual protection, it is about preserving the community, healing its wounds.

As a major responsible state, the People’s Republic of China informed the world about the new threat. The Chinese government shared information with the World Health Organization and many countries, European countries included. On Feb 1, Premier Li Keqiang updated European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the coronavvirus outbreak. China shared its experiences in fighting the virus and results of scientific research with other countries and the WHO while explaining the severity of the threat the virus posed and how best to respond to it — for example, quarantine is a must, it is the only choice.

The moment the Chinese leadership realized the danger the outbreak in Wuhan posed to people across the country, it locked down the entire province of Hubei. No matter how strict a measure it seemed to the rest of the world, particularly the West, it saved thousands of lives.

Traditionally, the Chinese people have been committed to preserving community life. And this remains and intrinsic part of their culture even in 21st century, as the Chinese people, in general, value togetherness over individualism. A comparison of the number of confirmed coronavirus pneumonia cases and deaths in China and other countries combating the pandemic shows how the Chinese model has proved extremely effective.

It is this experience China has been sharing with the rest of the world. Unfortunately, it wasn’t taken in the same spirit by many. Every day, we hear about the increasing number of deceased in Italy.

China is now ready to help other countries in their battle against the novel coronavirus. It emphasized the critical importance of quarantine and social distancing to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, especially because this virus, unlike those known before, is highly resistant to change in temperature and could remain active on hard surfaces for days. 

Now that China has largely contained the epidemic in the country it will make efforts to restore the normal life of its citizens and put the economy back on track. And it could even achieve a healthy growth rate by the end of this year.

At the same time, China will be actively involved in the global fight against the virus. China has already sent medical supplies, including face masks, gloves and reagent test kits, to several countries to help them combat the pandemic. It has also dispatched medical teams to other countries to help their colleagues better combat the outbreak, and the Chinese medical teams’ experience will be crucial in the global battle against the virus.

The author is head of Regional Center One Belt One Road, Institute of International Politics and Economics in Belgrade, Serbia.