28.03.2020 – 12.34 – Confirmed Coronavirus cases have surpassed 600.000, and the figure kept on increasing rapidly over time. This figure is not close to facts, as the number of tests conducted are very much limited. Even it is beyond the capacity of the Developed World to test each suspect individually, no way to talk about the developing world and underdeveloped countries. The death toll has reached 25,251. It has already spread to almost all nations, territories, regions around the world. It has already entered into a horrible stage. The US is a country with the highest number of confirmed cases up to now. It has reached 104.000 with a death toll of 1700. China was at second, with 80.000 confirmed cases and around 3000 deaths. But the good news about China is that the spread has been brought under control, and deaths are almost negligible. The vulnerability in Italy, Iran, and Spain is alarming as the spread rate is very high, and the fatality rate is also quite high.
Last two months, China was struggling to overcome epidemic, and focused only on its goal to save human lives. China ignored all criticism, pressures, and bashing from the outside world and concentrated all energies to fight against Covid-19. China mobilized all national resources, supported by the public, and finally won over the epidemic. When China was over-engaged in its war against Coronavirus, the US administration was engaged blaming China, bashing China, criticizing China, and trying to undermine China. But could not harm China at all; President Trump’s administration wasted time unintentionally. The Trump Administration also failed to help out its allies at the most challenging moment, when Italy, France, UK, Spain were at a very initial stage. If, since the beginning, the US has helped its allies, it might not spread so widely and may not reach the US. It is true, no single country was prepared for such an awkward situation, but collectively, it should have been suppressed in China. There is a shortage of masks, testing kits, ventilators, and sanitizers. If the whole world pooled all possible resources and helped China, the situation must be different today. I think the evacuation of foreigners from China has caused a lot of damage. The hostility and casual attitude toward China proved wrong. China is helping many countries, especially the hard-hit countries like Italy, Spain, Iran; China is donating medical supplies, and dispatching medical teams to support the respective government to fight against the epidemic. Chinese proved-experience can be used as guidelines. China is sharing its experience publically with everyone.
Virus is not bias: does not recognize boundaries, race, religion, or ethnicity. Why we discriminate against each other? I believe it is time to think seriously, and unite to defeat any epidemic. The US is a nation of 330 million people, the largest economy, most advanced in science and technology: trust, having the capacity to come up with a solution. It is rather late, but never too late to take initiatives. I believe, if the Trump administration keep politics aside, and think for humanity, it still can recover. The recommendations put forward by the virtual G-20 Summit held on 26 March 2020 are pertinent, and can be implemented immediately. I am sure the US congress is full of wise people, either from the opposition or ruling side, may ensure the right steps toward defeating the epidemic. We must respect humankind and rescue human lives. Developed and advanced countries have a moral obligation to look after the developing and underdeveloped countries. Each country, based on its strength, can contribute accordingly and turn this world a safe, stable, and prosperous place to live for our coming generations too.
Zamir Ahmed Awan
[author, prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan is a Sinologist, former diplomat, editor, analyst, non-resident fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Islamabad, Pakistan]
