What a Chinese businessperson has to say about the coronavirus

The novel coronavirus has already proven a more serious challenge than SARS – in China, and the world.

In China, I'd say this is one of the most serious health crises in the last several decades.

China's central and local governments have already introduced many effective policies and measures to support the affected regions and slow the spread of the virus. I believe that these measures have been executed faster and more effectively than could any government in the world. But I don't think we can say that it is only the government's responsibility to help. This is as much a social crisis as it is a national one.

Though this virus may have begun in China, the nature of a globalized and mobile international society has made this as much an international crisis as an Asian one.

I think what is needed now is an organized effort to provide the resources and materials necessary to combat this crisis. Due to this crisis, China has a severe shortage in medical equipment such as digital thermometers, face-masks, and even specialized hospital facilities to control the spread of the virus and treat patients.

During this crisis, I have heard many people talking about this virus as "China's problem". They look down on our way of life and blame us for what is happening.

I don't want to talk about these old prejudices, but it's a real problem. When Europe suffers, Chinese feel your pain. When the United States or Australia is in crisis, we Chinese cry for you. It is time for the world to do the same for China. The coronavirus is not a Chinese problem, it's not an Asian problem, it's a human problem.

Of course, I'm not a medical expert, but, right now, the Chinese government at all levels has proven its organizational and leadership ability, and I am quite confident that this crisis will be resolved in the coming months. After all, it is a small miracle that the government could build a brand-new hospital for this crisis in just two weeks. And something ignored by Western media is that the number of people cured of the virus has surpassed those who have passed away because of it. This is a very positive development.

That's to say, under this leadership we can defeat this virus. Many companies have joined in the fight, giving all sorts of material support. And while giving material support, such as supplies, is needed, this support is not as flexible, fluid, and mobile as cash. That is why my company has given nearly $3 million in support, and I am encouraging others to do the same.

In China, we have an ancient saying for times of crisis: "If you have money, give money. If you don't, give your labour."

At present, the UK has already invested in helping to find a vaccine, but more research and investment is required.

I am very confident that, as China and the world recovers from this crisis, the Chinese economy will rebound – and, with it, the world economy.

I congratulate Britain on its recent independence from the European Union, and now, more than ever, Britain needs to invest in China-UK mutual support and closer ties.

The author is the president of DR PLANT Biotechnology Co, Ltd.