Premier: China stands firmly with EU in epidemic battle

China stands firmly with the European Union and supports its anti-epidemic efforts, Premier Li Keqiang said on Wednesday in a phone conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

In the early days of China's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic, EU agencies offered sympathy and sent medical supplies to China, Li said.

As the epidemic spreads in EU member countries, China empathizes with the EU, which is facing difficulties under the current circumstances, Li said, adding that epidemic prevention and control have no borders.

China stands firmly with the EU, supports its anti-epidemic efforts, and will facilitate its procurement of medical supplies through commercial channels, he said, adding that China is also ready to actively carry out international cooperation to jointly protect the health of mankind.

Li also expressed hope that the EU will attach importance to ensuring the safety of and bringing convenience to the life of Chinese citizens, including overseas students, in EU countries.

He pointed out that China attaches great importance to its relations with the EU and is willing to push forward negotiations on the China-EU investment agreement and cooperation in various fields to maintain the healthy and steady development of bilateral ties.

Europe, now the epicenter of the pandemic, reported 70,989 cases of infection with 3,309 deaths as of Wednesday, including the United Kingdom, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

Globally, the pandemic had caused 207,855 cases of infection in 166 countries and regions and 8,648 deaths as of Thursday, according to the World Health Organization.

Noting that the coronavirus has been continuously spreading in Europe, Von der Leyen said that the EU side, which is grateful for China's support in its fight against the coronavirus, has an urgent procurement demand for anti-epidemic supplies and expressed her hope that China will continue to provide support.

Von der Leyen stressed that the two sides' joining forces to fight COVID-19 and get over these hard times demonstrates their good friendship and cooperation. She added that the EU is also willing to provide necessary guarantees and convenience for Chinese nationals, including students, in EU countries.

Italy, the most affected country in Europe, reported on Wednesday 475 new deaths from the novel coronavirus, the highest one-day official toll on record.

The epidemic had claimed 2,978 lives in Italy as of Wednesday evening, with the total number of confirmed cases reaching 35,713 since Feb 21, according to data released by Angelo Borrelli, head of Italy's Civil Protection Department.

Italian Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora warned on Wednesday that the government will consider the possibility of a complete ban on outdoor activities if the call to stay home is not heeded.

Italy imposed a nationwide lockdown more than a week ago, but the virus is still spreading. What is worse, some doctors, nurses and hospital porters have themselves fallen sick, and some have died.

On Wednesday, health officials in the hard-hit region of Lombardy appealed to all doctors, nurses and medical personnel who have retired in the last two years to return to work and help their overworked colleagues.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday night in a televised address to the nation that the coronavirus is the biggest challenge for the country since World War II. She urged German people to stay home and to practice social distancing when they must go out.

"Let me tell you: This is serious. Take it seriously, too," Merkel said.

She said that Germany has an excellent health system, but its hospitals could still be completely overwhelmed.

Germany's Robert Koch Institute said there were 8,198 cases of coronavirus in the country and at least 12 deaths as of Wednesday.

In the United Kingdom, all schools across the country will be shut by the end of the week to contain the spread of the virus.

"After schools shut their gates on Friday afternoon, they will remain closed until further notice," Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said on Wednesday.

The country's infection number rose to 2,626 and the death toll rose to 104 as of Wednesday, according to its health authorities.

Xinhua and agencies contributed to this story.