Dear Mr./Madam Editor-in-Chief:

I noticed that your newspaper has been showing much concern with and closely following development of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) situation in China. Some of the reports came out of official sources of China but some others were quoted from unfounded coverage by some western media. Hereby, I would like to share with you the latest developments of SARS.   

SARS epidemic in China has further mitigated and the number of infected cases witnessed an obvious decline. The WHO (World Health Organization) has lifted travel advice for all infected provinces and regions of China except Beijing. In the meantime, there has been no new confirmed cases in Beijing for over 20 days. It is concluded that SARS in China has already been brought under effective control. Public daily life and social order are returning to normal track. I would like to provide you with some information about the battle against SARS epidemic by the Chinese Government and the People.

Since outbreak of SARS, the Chinese Government has been attaching great importance to control of the epidemic and solution of the problem and, under the leadership of State leaders, making incessant efforts for this end. The efforts include establishing nationwide public health emergency management mechanism, isolating confirmed and suspected SARS patients, taking effective measures to prevent cross infection, setting up a special funding for SARS prevention, providing free medical service to SARS-infected peasants. Furthermore, Chinese medical research personnel and relevant government departments have carried out effective cooperation with the WHO and other SARS-infected countries and regions for better prevention and treatment measures. All the above efforts have contributed to successful containment of the epidemic. Besides, the Chinese Government remains vigilant and continues with follow-up reinforcement measures so as to prevent possible come-back.

Indeed, the SARS did produce some temporary negative impact on Chinese economy and work in some other fields. However, the Chinese Government adheres to the principle of ?ighting SARS on one hand and developing the economy on the other? Effective measures are consisted of helping the SARS-stricken small businesses and low-income groups, re-invigorating the service sector, speeding up construction of mega-projects, fostering new consumption growth points, constantly improving investment environment, expanding export and faithfully practicing the policy of expanding domestic demand. It is estimated that growth rate of Chinese economy in 2003 would still be no less than 7%.

With mitigation of the SARS epidemic, exchanges between China and other countries are resumed in a step-by-step manner. Recently, Chinese President Hu Jintao paid a state visit to Russia and attended the third Summit meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states and the informal South-North leaders dialogue at Evian France. China has also successfully chaired a talk among China, North Korea and the United States in Beijing. In the spirit of being responsible to the world people, the Chinese Government has adopted many measures concerning persons traveling to other countries to ensure no spread of SARS and elimination of fear by some people. Such measures include issuing and producing health certificates, infrared temperature detecting at airports and interrupting travels by persons with abnormal body temperature. The fore-going facts amply show that the Chinese Government is a responsible one, not only to the Chinese people but also to the people of the world.

I do hope the above information will help you better understand the true picture of the SARS in China. I would like to keep in touch with you and exchange views on issues of mutual interest and jointly promote China-Egypt relations. I would really appreciate your kind consideration if this letter can be published on your paper to facilitate your readers to have an objective and comprehensive understanding of the problem.   

Best regards



Sincerely yours,

Chen Hongbing

Spokesman of Chinese Embassy


(Published at Al Ahram of June 29 and Al Ahram Weekly of June 26)