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The recent COVID-19 pandemic in China has brought new uncertainties to the world. I am glad that an Editorial1 has brought this situation to the attention of the international community. However, I disagree with how the editors described the international community (ie, “far from showing compassion”1) when discussing the many reasons why China is facing difficulties. I believe that the international community has shown serious attention and compassion since the start of the current outbreak in China. The USA and the EU have repeatedly offered various forms of assistance, including vaccine donations. However, the Chinese Government turned down such offers, insisting that the situation was under control2 and that medical provisions were in adequate supply,3 despite the accessibility of essential medicines and health-care services being seriously threatened.4 On Jan 11, 2023, as a European coordinated response to limit the spread of the virus to other regions, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control provided guidelines for aviation, including pre-departure testing for passengers, random testing on a sample of arriving passengers, and wastewater monitoring at European airports with flights arriving from China.5 These measures are temporary and they do not target Chinese people; rather, they are aimed at reducing the risk of geographical transmission of a potential new variant during air travel.

random testing on a sample of arriving passengers, and wastewater monitoring at European airports with flights arriving from China.5 These measures are temporary and they do not target Chinese people; rather, they are aimed at reducing the risk of geographical transmission of a potential new variant during air travel. I agree with the view endorsed by the Editorial1 that the pandemic is far from over. All countries, including China, should embrace an attitude of mutual trust, coordination, openness, and cooperation to reach the end of the global pandemic.