BEIJING, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- China stands ready to boost cooperation with Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) in fighting the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and is willing to provide support and aid to the two countries within its capacity, a spokesperson said Tuesday.

A South Korean health official sprays disinfectant in front of a hospital where a total of 16 infections of COVID-19 have been reported, in Cheongdo county near the city of Daegu on February 21, 2020. (Photo: AFP)

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks at a press briefing when asked to comment on the epidemic situation in Japan and the ROK.

Zhao said China is closely following the COVID-19 epidemic development in Japan and the ROK. 

The Chinese side appreciates very much the support and help offered by the governments and people of Japan and the ROK to China since the novel coronavirus epidemic broke out in the country, Zhao said.

Close neighbors should help each other and enhance cooperation in times of need, Zhao said, adding China is willing to share information and experience with the two countries and offer support and assistance to them as per their needs.

"Facing epidemic situation, it is the responsibility of each country to protect the lives and health of its people and safeguard regional and global public health security," Zhao said.

He said China is willing to communicate and cooperate closely with Japan and the ROK as well as other countries, discuss joint prevention and control and work together to adopt appropriate and necessary measures to effectively prevent cross-border spread of the epidemic and jointly safeguard regional and global public health security.