国内英语新闻:China appreciates Russian FM's remarks against demands for paying for COVID-19 spread

BEIJING, April 15 (Xinhua) -- China appreciates the remarks made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that it is unacceptable that some politicians of certain countries demanded compensation from China for the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wednesday.

China highly appreciates Lavrov's remarks, spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing in Beijing.

Zhao said Russia gave China firm political, moral and material support at the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak.

"At present, Russia is in a critical stage of epidemic prevention and control," Zhao said, adding that while continuing its efforts in epidemic prevention and control at home, China offered support and aid to Russia to the best of its ability.

This demonstrated the traditional friendship between the two countries, said Zhao.

As countries across the world are joining hands in fighting the pandemic, "We heard certain voice of discord - some media outlets and people distorted facts and fabricated and spread untrue things about China and Russia," said the spokesperson.

As comprehensive strategic partners of coordination for a new era, China and Russia will stand firm together and overcome all difficulties they are facing on the road of development, he said.

China is ready to work with the international community, including Russia, upholding the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, continue to share experience in epidemic control and treatment, strengthen international cooperation in this regard, and work together to address common threats and challenges, to safeguard global public health security.

Lavrov on Tuesday said that cooperation between Russia and China sets a model of global cooperation in fighting against COVID-19. It is "absolutely unacceptable" to blame China for the spread of COVID-19.

"The Chinese are trying in every possible way to help other countries and share their experience that they developed in the fight against this evil in China," Lavrov said during an online press conference.