China said Thursday it had presented diplomatic protests with countries whose airlines canceled flights to Chinese cities claiming that panic was spreading following the deadly coronavirus.
The death toll from the new coronavirus outbreak in China has increased to 563, as 73 people have died Wednesday, the highest death toll in a single day so far, while the total number of confirmed cases has risen sharply to 28,018 on Thursday Chinese health officials. The deadly virus has spread to over 25 countries, including India.
Several international airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, have canceled flights to China for fear that the virus will spread worldwide, a measure that Beijing has described against WHO guidelines.
Several countries, including India and the United States, have also announced travel bans.
"The WHO praised China's strong measures and stressed many times that it does not recommend and even oppose the imposition of travel restrictions.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hua Chunying told the online media on Thursday that the Chinese government is acting with openness, transparency and a high sense of responsibility by sharing information that improves international cooperation to deal with the virus.
"Since some countries have taken excessive measures such as suspension of flights, the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) has also published newsletters and encouraged all countries to follow WHO recommendations," he said.
"We regret and oppose those countries that have opposed the professional recommendations of the WHO and ICAO bulletins and presented serious representations with them," he said.
"We hope that all countries can assess China's epidemic and efforts calmly, objectively and rationally and not overreact," he added. Hua urged countries not to limit flights.
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"Their actions, which spread panic among the public, will not help prevent and control the epidemic. They have severely disrupted normal staff exchanges, international cooperation and the order of the international air transport market," he said.
Hua said that Chinese civilian flights will not be suspended and that the Chinese government will bring its citizens home wherever they are.
The Chinese Civil Aviation Administration has taken effective measures to minimize the possibility of the virus spreading in planes and to ensure the safety and health of travelers on international flights, he said.
"We urge the countries concerned to think carefully, not to overreact or limit flights operated by airlines on both sides, taking into account bilateral relations and cooperation. They must immediately correct their policies and wrong actions in relation to the recommendations from WHO and ICAO and take concrete measures to support China's battle against the epidemic, "he said.
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