On March 10, 2020, in responding to the questions raised by the local media outlets on some members of the US Congress calling the novel coronavirus "Wuhan virus" or "Chinese virus" on social media, the spokesperson of the Chinese Consulate General made the following comments:

When WHO announced its decision to officially name the novel coronavirus disease as COVID-19, its Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made it very clear that it is important to "find a name that did not refer to a geographical location, an animal, an individual or group of people" so as to "prevent the use of other names that can be inaccurate or stigmatizing." Governments through out the world and their health services agencies, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have all adopted this specified scientific term of COVID-19.  

We firmly oppose any stigmatization of China and Wuhan or any discrimination against Chinese people by calling the novel coronavirus "Wuhan virus" or "Chinese virus", which is disrespectful to science and WHO decision,and runs against the values of humanitarianism. As a matter of fact, many people in U.S. have openly expressed their strong opposition to these acts of stigmatization.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 epidemic, the Chinese people, especially people in Wuhan, have made tremendous efforts, as well as great sacrifice, to contain the spread of epidemic and minimize the risk of virus transmission. China's efforts have bought precious time for other countries to enhance preparedness, and have won the praise of international community.

At present, the epidemic is spreading to many countries and regions in the world.  It is imperative for international community to make joint efforts to prevent and control the spread of the epidemic. As Dr. Tedros said, "this is the time for solidarity,not stigma." We urge those people to respect science, put aside their stereotype, uphold moral standards, and do things that are helpful to the global response to the epidemic.