Many member organizations of the Belt and Road Journalists Network (BRJN) have voiced support for China in the battle against the new coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) by sending messages to All-China Journalists Association (ACJA). They expressed their confidence in Chinese people’s ability to win the battle and promised to guide journalists to deliver truthful information on China’s latest situations in fighting against the epidemic.
Such messages are from the Union of Journalists of Buenos Aires, Russian Union of Journalists, Union of Bulgarian Journalists, Belarusian Union of Journalists, Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan, All Pakistan Journalists Association, Polish Media Association, Upper Myanmar Journalists Association, Media Watch Bangladesh, Sri Lanka China Journalist Forum, Egypt Syndicate of Journalists, National Press Club of the Philippines, Federación de Asociaciones de Periodistas Mexicanos, Club de Primera Plana and other organizations.
Messages of condolences and confidence in China
MR. Monjurul Ahsan BULBUL, chairman of Media Watch Bangladesh, extended sympathies and condolences to the Chinese people and media workers on behalf of all members of Media Watch Bangladesh, as the spread of COVID-19 comes during the Chinese Spring Festival. He hoped that Chinese journalists can stay safe and healthy in their work and the epidemic can be contained soon.
Sri Lanka China Journalist Forum organized an event named “Come on, Wuhan! We Love China!” and recorded short videos in order to show their support. Heads of the Forum attended and expressed Sri Lankan journalists’ good wishes for the Chinese people and their confidence in China’s victory over the outbreak.
Snezhana Todorova, president of the Union of Bulgarian Journalists, expressed her regrets and empathy for the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, the epicenter, and other Chinese cities, as well as her condolences to those who are infected with or died of the virus. She stated that the Union of Bulgarian Journalists, as Chinese people’s sincere friend who has cooperated with ACJA for a long time, is ready to offer help in this critical moment.
Messages of condolences and sympathies are also received from the Union of Journalists of Buenos Aires, Russian Union of Journalists, Belarusian Union of Journalists, Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan, All Pakistan Journalists Association, Polish Media Association, Upper Myanmar Journalists Association, Egypt Syndicate of Journalists, National Press Club of the Philippines, Federación de Asociaciones de Periodistas Mexicanos, Club de Primera Plana and other BRJN member organizations. They expressed their readiness to provide assistance to China and their confidence in Chinese people’s ability to win the battle under the leadership of the Chinese government.
Recognition of China’s efficient actions and responsible attitude
Lidia Irma Fagale, rotating chairwoman of the Belt and Road Journalists Network (BRJN), president of the Union of Journalists of Buenos Aires, stated that China’s efficient actions in combating the epidemic has been recognized by the international community and they highly appreciate the efforts China has made, which is not only responsible to the Chinese society, but also to the people of the world.
Mr. Ahmed Abdelaziz Mahmoud Sallam, special representative of the president of Egypt Syndicate of Journalists, said China has proved to the world that it is a major power fully responsible to itself and the rest of the world. In the face of the epidemic, Chinese people have been providing assistance to Wuhan from all parts of the country and strictly adhering to regulations to curb the spread, thereby demonstrating the determination and effectiveness of the government and the immense strength of the people, he applauded.
Snezhana Todorova noted that the Chinese government, doctors, scientists and experts, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, have been taking effective measures to curb the spread. The world has witnessed China’s resolute and efficient efforts, which can serve as an example to the world of how to address epidemics, she added.
Zaheer Alam, chairman of All Pakistan Journalists Association, lauded that the efforts made by the Chinese government and people demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and are worth learning. He said Pakistani people and media workers will stand firmly with Chinese people to get through the difficulties. He hoped that Chinese people and media workers can stay safe and healthy and the epidemic can be contained soon.
José Luis Uribe, president of Club de Primera Plana, pointed out that China, in the face of the epidemic, has made all-round and timely efforts with a strong sense of responsibility. Wuhan was placed on lockdown in time. Makeshift hospitals were built quickly to treat and isolate patients infected with the coronavirus. And Chinese media truthfully reported the situations and conveyed the instructions and spirit of the Chinese government in the battle. He believed that Chinese people can overcome the epidemic soon.
Opposition to false information and willingness to guide truthful media coverage
Lidia Irma Fagale stated that what is required amid the epidemic is action rather than conjectures because rumors and manipulations driven by certain interested parties can stoke baseless panic and seriously impede the effective implementation of prevention and control policies. The Union promised to deliver accurate and truthful information on data and policies to union members and the media, and said they are confident that China will win the battle in terms of containing the epidemic and spreading truthful information.
Marek Traczyk, president of Polish Media Association, organized a special press conference to brief some 100 reporters from Polish television, radio stations and other media outlets on the true situations of China’s fight against the virus outbreak.
Sri Lanka China Journalist Forum organized local media to cover this news in support of China’s fight against the epidemic. Daily Mirror, a Sri Lankan newspaper, published a special edition entitled “Prayers for Wuhan” and launched a special report on the fight. “In either natural or man-made calamities, China has always been a strong supporter of Sri Lanka... Now, in the critical moment of fighting the novel coronavirus, it is time for us to stand with China,” the report read.
Belarusian Union of Journalists, All Pakistan Journalists Association, Media Watch Bangladesh and Federación de Asociaciones de Periodistas Mexicanos also expressed opposition to false news and harmful speeches against Chinese people. They said they hope to receive more information from ACJA about China’s anti-virus fight in an effort to update their members on latest situations in a timely and accurate manner.（Wang Xiaoyu）
