TOKYO – On Friday, Japan and China agreed to collaborate and work together to battle the coronavirus outbreak. This move offsets the historic disputes that exist between the two countries regarding a maritime territorial dispute.
Coronavirus originated in Wuhan, China and has infected over 78,800 people and killed approximately 2,800. It has spread to 50 other countries and Japan is one of these countries.
“China and Japan are having a very difficult time in dealing with the new coronavirus infection. That’s all the more reason for Japan and China to join forces to overcome the difficulties.”
– Shinzo Abe, Japan’s Prime Minister
These comments came after 800 Japanese citizens were evacuated from Hubei with charter flights from Japan as part of an operation which was assisted by the government of China.
The planes chartered had masks, gloves and relief supplied for Chinese people.
Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi extended gratitude towards China for support in the repatriation.
Ties between the two countries have been plagued by territorial rows over a group of tiny islets in the East China Sea, standing as the legacy of Japan’s wartime aggression and regional rivalry.
The cooperations between China and Japan over this public health crisis seems to be improving relations.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.