China’s Media Urge, Rise Above ‘Geopolitical, Ideological Conflicts,’ Deploy Science To Fight COVID-19

Feb. 21, 2020 (EIRNS)—In a front-page editorial yesterday, Global Times points out that in order to combat the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, the Chinese government has dropped all else in order to engage in a full-scale battle against the epidemic. China has thus far achieved remarkable results, it asserts, but while the danger of a large-scale spread of the disease across the country has been contained, there is still no certainly as to whether the disease can be quickly eradicated. No specific treatment has yet been found.

Therefore, the fight demands heightened international cooperation, Global Times argues, leaving behind “obsessing with geopolitical and ideological conflicts.” Should the virus turn into a chronic infectious disease in winter, “an epidemic outbreak in other parts of the world would be inevitable.” In this context, prejudiced attacks on China from the U.S. and other Western nations are arrogant “and very dangerous,” the semi-official daily warns. “There will be many common problems faced by mankind, and the human race will become a community with a shared future at some special moments, whether we like it or not. Human society must pay more attention to real and potential public crises….”

Xinhua yesterday also documents the ways in which China has used and developed new technology—including artificial intelligence (AI)—as it pays attention to real and potential public crises. This includes the software company Neusoft’s development of a type of remote CT equipment in just seven days, which can quickly diagnose the virus using AI computing, and reduce contact between medical workers and patients.

Robots are used to help reduce cross-infection risks, according to leading robot manufacturer Siasun. Using laser positioning, intelligence navigation and human-computer interaction, medical delivery robots can help health workers spray disinfectants and hand out medicine to patients. Xinhua also points to use of E-commerce platforms, such as fresh food retailers, fresh food delivery to home-bound individuals, or those in quarantine. Cloud-related services provide remote education and remote medical consultation, and online class services to students at home, especially where schools remained closed after the Lunar New Year holiday. WeDoctor provides online access to physicians or other medical professionals. All patients across China can access free medical consultation services online.