On 29 January, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a telephone call with Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne at the latter's request.

Payne said that the Australian government strongly supports the Chinese government and people in fighting the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, and appreciates China's open, transparent and timely communication with the international community, including updates of the situation. Australia is ready to keep close communication and coordination with China and provide necessary assistance to help China overcome this challenge.

Wang Yi said that the Chinese government and people are doing the utmost to curb the coronavirus outbreak. A nationwide mechanism has been put in place and decisive measures taken to contain and mitigate the outbreak in a science-based, well-planned and targeted manner. All things considered, the epidemic can be contained, controlled and treated. We have the confidence and ability to win the battle against the outbreak.

Wang Yi pointed out that the Chinese government, with an open, transparent and responsible attitude, has been sharing timely information within the country and with the international community, actively responding to various concerns, and stepping up cooperation with the international community. In his recent visit to China, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highly appreciated the actions China has implemented in response to the outbreak and expressed full confidence in the Chinese government's capacities to respond and manage the outbreak. From the professional perspective, the WHO does not support hasty movement of people at this time. China will do its best to ensure the health and safety of all the Chinese and foreign nationals in Wuhan. China will stay in close communication and coordination with Australia and work together to promote global public health security.