BEIJING, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- China will remain in close communication, coordination and cooperation with Japan to jointly protect the lives and health of the two peoples and make positive contributions to upholding regional and global public health security, a spokesperson said Friday.

File photo: CGTN

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang made the remarks when asked to comment on the recent interaction between China and Japan on the fight against the novel coronavirus epidemic at an online daily press briefing.

According to reports, the Japanese government delivered another batch of medical assistance to Wuhan on the fifth chartered plane it has sent to pick up Japanese nationals. Many Chinese netizens thanked Japan and asked it to take good care of its people and leave enough supplies at home as it also faces the epidemic. The Chinese embassy in Japan recently announced China's donation of coronavirus test kits to the Japan National Institute of Infectious Diseases.

"Virus knows no borders, but the worst of times reveals the best in people," Geng said, adding that faced with the sudden epidemic outbreak, as friendly neighbors, it is only natural for China and Japan to deal with it hand in hand.

"After the epidemic began, the Japanese government and people provided valuable support and assistance to China at the earliest time possible," Geng said. "We will remember and hold dear such friendship. The Chinese people are also following the epidemic in Japan with care and concern. We completely relate to what they are going through."

To quote a line from the Book of Songs, "You throw a peach to me, I give you a white jade for friendship," Geng said. "Though we are still facing a severe situation at home with rather tight medical supplies, we will further share information and experience with Japan and offer as much support and assistance as possible based on its need."

"When we lend each other a helping hand, it is friendship and trust that is given and gained," Geng said, adding this is the very epitome of how China and the whole international community have been dealing with global challenges altogether.