Co-hosted by the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC) and the Secretariat of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) Standing Committee, the “Asian Political Parties On-Line Conference: Forging Synergy against COVID-19” was launched on Monday, 30 March on their official websites.

As is stated in a message from the IDCPC, epidemic prevention and control in China continue to improve as a result of the painstaking efforts of the entire nation, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, together with continuous acceleration in the restoration of economic and social order. We in China have full confidence, sufficient ability and adequate certainty that we will win the final victory against the epidemic and achieve economic and social development targets set for this year.

The message points out that upholding the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, and fighting the epidemic head-on, China has taken an open, transparent and responsible attitude to the timely disclosure and sharing of relevant information, and made strenuous efforts to promote international cooperation in epidemic control, and provide assistance to the best of its ability. What China has been doing has been highly commended and widely acknowledged by the WHO and indeed the international community. At present, the spread of COVID-19 worldwide poses enormous threat to life and health and brings formidable challenge to global public health security. All countries need to work together and help each other in the fight against the epidemic. This on-line Conference, co-hosted by the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC) and the Secretariat of the ICAPP Standing Committee is just intended for exchanges and dialogue among Asian political parties on epidemic control so that the role of political parties could be brought into better play in offering political guidance on intensified experience sharing and cooperation among Asian countries.

The message reiterates what was pointed out by General Secretary Xi Jinping at the recent Extraordinary G20 Leaders’ Summit to the effect that the novel coronavirus respects no borders and the outbreak we are battling is our common enemy. Now is a crucial moment, a time for us to rise up to challenge and act with swiftness. We need to be resolute in fighting an all-out global war against the COVID-19 outbreak, make a collective response for control and treatment at the international level, actively support international organisations in playing their due roles, and enhance international macro-economic policy coordination. Members of the international community and world political parties should join hands and act swiftly and resolutely to help each other in meeting risks and challenges, stem the spread of the virus, deepen mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation towards the formation of a global community for public health, and build our planet into a beautiful place to live in. Any responsible country or political party would not hesitate to resolutely oppose the unjustifiable practice of politicising and stigmatising the virus. Responsible countries and political parties would work to properly guide and help shape public opinion and sentiment for greater cooperation and synergy in the fight against COVID-19.

As General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, at present, it is imperative for the international community to strengthen confidence, act with unity and work together in a collective response. We must comprehensively step up international cooperation and foster greater synergy so that humanity as one could win the battle against such a major infectious disease. Adhering to the principles of seeking common ground while reserving differences, mutual respect, and mutual learning, the CPC stands ready to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Asian political parties. By sharing our experience and coordinating measures, we shall be able to safeguard public health security in Asia and promote common prosperity and development of all countries, thus making concerted efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

In its message, the Standing Committee of ICAPP calls on Asian political parties to stand united in the face of COVID-19 so as to jointly tide over this challenge. The Standing Committee expresses full support to the calling of the WHO for countries around the world to adopt a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in responding to COVID-19 and affirms its commitment to encouraging national governments and political parties to tap all necessary resources available in order to effectively combat the virus. The Standing Committee of ICAPP stands ready to assist its member parties in conducting exchanges and discussions over combating COVID-19.

This Conference, themed “Synergy & Cooperation against COVID-19: Asian Political Parties at Work”, will be on-line for five days. The dedicated webpage for the Conference consists of seven columns, including, among others, “Leaders Voices”, “ICAPP SC Members Remarks”, “Political Parties Comments”, “Get Involved” and “Cooperation in Progress”. Its content ranges from speeches and statements of leaders of Asian political parties on the fight against COVID-19 to presentations on experience of various countries and the latest information on cooperation in battling the epidemic.

ICAPP is an important multi-lateral forum for political parties in the Asian region. The on-line Conference can be accessed via the official IDCPC website (http:/www.idcpc.gov.cn/English) and the official ICAPP website（http://theicapp.org）.