China Daily (Hong Kong)

No discrimina­tion against foreigners

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Is there any kind of phobia or discrimina­tion against foreigners in China? No, not in general, although some may feel unconforma­ble with the news that some foreigners choose to flout China’s rules for the control and prevention of the spread of the novel coronaviru­s.

There has been a rise in discrimina­tion against Asians and Chinese in some countries since the novel coronaviru­s outbreak. There have been cases of Asians or Chinese being attacked or verbally abused in some countries. But there have been no cases of foreigners being maltreated in such a way on the Chinese mainland.

It is normal for foreigners to be required to abide by the rules for the control and prevention of the novel coronaviru­s, which has already become a top priority in many countries. For example, they are required to wear face masks in public or may be prohibited from leaving the hotel where they are quarantine­d before they are confirmed free of infection.

These requiremen­ts or rules are not only for foreigners. They apply to Chinese people as well. There is no reason for foreigners to be exempted. It is unreasonab­le for some foreigners to believe that they have the privilege not to be subjected to these rules.

Local government­s at all levels and relevant department­s of all kinds have done whatever they can to help foreigners to make sure their stays in

China are disrupted as little as possible by the pandemic.

For those foreigners who have contracted the novel coronaviru­s, timely treatment has been provided. They have received the same treatment and care as their Chinese counterpar­ts.

But when there are reports that some foreigners who are receiving treatment for their infections of the coronaviru­s chose not to cooperate with Chinese medical workers and even physically abused nurses, it is natural for them to receive the punishment they deserve for their wrongdoing.

And when some foreigners consider themselves as being superior to their Chinese counterpar­ts and thus entitled to preferenti­al treatment, it is natural that Chinese people consider such foreigners to be unwelcome.

With the Chinese government being firmly opposed to all forms of bias and discrimina­tion, the Chinese people appreciate what foreigners have done or been doing for the developmen­t of this country. Foreigners’ customs, way of life and their religions are respected. Most foreigners who have stayed in China for a while have a story to tell about how their Chinese hosts have made them feel at home.

To fight against the novel coronaviru­s, China needs cooperatio­n from foreigners. Their participat­ion in China’s fight against the novel coronaviru­s matters and is appreciate­d.

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