Chongqing- Eleven representatives from diplomatic, academic, and journalistic perspectives discussed the significance of international cooperation in the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic in southwestern China’s Chongqing Municipality Tuesday.

The 2021 China-Europe Seminar on Human Rights was held both in Chongqing with four parallel sessions and Rome, the capital of Italy, with one session.

The ancient Roman philosopher Seneca said, “We are all waves of the same sea.” These participants shared their views at the session and here are some highlights.

Diplomatic

Zhang Guobin, Standing Director of the China Society for Human Rights Studies and Vice Chairman of The Charhar Institute talked about diplomacy and proposed the role of think tanks in displaying China’s achievements in epidemic prevention and control. "In response to the COVID-19, China has now gradually established a comprehensive anti-epidemic mechanism combining government leadership, interdepartmental cooperation, and social participation. Meanwhile, China has proactively participated in practices of international cooperation for COVID-19 prevention and control." International cooperation projects, exchange and sharing platforms, aid of medical experts and preventive materials, and public diplomacy have demonstrated China's efforts to fight against COVID-19.

Zhang Qi, Assistant Researcher of Shanghai Institute of American Studies and Research Center of American Foreign Policies, mentioned that epidemic prevention has become a new topic for subnational diplomacy, including mutual assistance of anti-epidemic supplies, experience sharing and joint efforts on science and technology. Moreover, online communication has become a new platform of subnational diplomacy.

Academic 

Fozia Nazir Lone, Assistant Professor of School of Law, City University of Hong Kong, analyzed problems that India has encountered to fight against COVID-19. For example populous density, government dependency, and a lack of resources. She pointed out international cooperation as an important way for the country to prevent and control COVID-19.

Journalistic 

Alexander Kopysov, Russian language correspondent for CGTN, China Media Group, believed that smears and prejudice are more fearful than the virus itself. He mentioned reports vilifying China’s achievement in epidemic prevention and control. In his opinion, double-standard media criteria in certain countries have no value at all to win the battle against COVID-19.