File photo of Michael Schumann, chairman of the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade (BWA)

The Chinese deserve respect and active, energetic support, said Michael Schumann, chairman of the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade (BWA).  

“It is the Chinese people, particularly in Wuhan and the other most severely affected cities in Hubei Province, who are currently bearing the brunt of the burden and are protecting the world from an even faster spread through their willingness to make sacrifices and their commitment,” said Schumann.

Schumann said he was ashamed of the lack of sympathy on the part of Germany’s federal government in view of the fact that the German economy owes so much to China. "It seems as if the whole world has lost its mind. Where compassion and helpfulness should prevail, fear and panic narrow our hearts. Germany, which should stand by China's side in this difficult hour, is not sending aid,” Schumann said.

He also said that instead of sending masks, protective clothing and medical equipment to China, the German government is currently only talking about how best to fly 90 German citizens out of Wuhan.

“In the concert of sensationalist media coverage, hardly anyone talks about the obvious: That nothing justifies this panic,” said Schumann. “If we fail to maintain our humanity in the face of such a challenge, we will lose much more than just the fight against a new disease."

The BWA, established in Berlin in 2003, has more than 1,300 permanent members member companies and associations. With representative offices in more than 70 countries, it has extensive influence in German economic and trade circles.

(Compiled by Shan Xin, Han Yuzhen)