On May 21, the 13th National Committee of the People's Political Consultative Conference started its annual session, followed by the annual session of the 13th National People's Congress. Taking place at such a special time, the "two sessions" have drawn worldwide attention. As the first country to report COVID-19 and fight the pandemic, as well as the quickest to respond through lockdown measures and public cooperation, China has achieved decisive results in its fight. 

Currently, China is ramping-up the resumption of production to help support the global fight, naturally demonstrating the significance of the "two sessions." But, how shall we implement the normalized COVID-19 prevention and control measures in the next stage? Can we complete the task of poverty alleviation as scheduled? Will we achieve a comprehensive moderately well-off society as expected? Will the rule of law be advanced smoothly? Can we effectively eliminate external interruptions? How shall we plan development for next five years? All these are major, urgent and challenging issues tabled before China's ruling team and political elites, the thoughts and answers for which will be seen in the meetings over the following week. The Report on the Work of the Government has charted the course for this year: guarantee employment and people's livelihood while stabilizing economic fundamentals; expand domestic demand and opening-up to fulfil poverty alleviation targets; reduce burdens and bolster production while adopting positive financial policies; and advance the anti-pandemic fight and lawmaking to save lives and ensure safety. Here I wish to quote the renowned Chinese poet Wang Anshi as my comment on the "two sessions": "We have no fear of the clouds that may block our view / We are already on the summit."

On May 21, Cyprus entered the second phase of lockdown relaxation with the partial resumption of production and school openings. The home of Aphrodite is starting to come back to life. Against its not-low infection rate in terms of per-million members of its population, Cyprus has taken effective measures, achieved low percentages of critical cases and deaths, and become a leading example among EU members.

We know that countries which have had success combating the pandemic may have their own models and experiences, but they all must share the following basic elements: a people-oriented and responsible government, cooperative citizens who put the greater good before themselves, dedicated health professionals who place lives first, and a spirit of teamwork combining solidarity and cooperation. As the Chinese ambassador to Cyprus, I'm pleased to be a part of and witness to the whole process of Cyprus' fight against COVID-19. I am thankful for Cyprus' condolence and assistance to China in its most difficult times, for the mutual support and reciprocal solidarity between our two countries, and for the relentless joint efforts made by the Cypriot government and people in overcoming the pandemic. I believe that as long as the island sticks to the right direction in the pandemic fight and production resumption, it will surely win the final victory. Let me quote the Qing Dynasty poet Zheng Xie in my support of Cyprus: "Upright stands the bamboo amid green mountains steep / Careless of the wind from north or south; east or west."

Another set of events took place on May 21. At a critical juncture when China was set to move ahead with unhealed wounds and when China and the United States were expected to jointly rescue the world economy, the U.S. Senate passed the Chinese Company Oversight Bill which delisted Chinese firms from the U.S. stock exchange. Coupled with the complete blockade of China's Huawei and the establishment of a "China Task Force" among House Republicans aimed at suppressing China, these were reported as the "Three New Hacks" on China.

On the same day, confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in the U.S. reached over 1.5 million, with nearly 100,000 deaths. At such a time which aroused global sympathy and required President Donald Trump's focus, he seemed to lead his hawkish team in opposing, scapegoating and harming China. Isn't this totally the wrong direction in policymaking? Isn't it inhuman or indecent? The innocent and kind American people need a people-oriented and responsible government to guide them in the fight against the pandemic. The peace-loving Chinese people want to eliminate poverty and enjoy peaceful development. The world hopes that China and the U.S. will join hands to navigate the common difficulties, so shouldn't the leaders of the superpower give up private interests and disperse the clouds blocking people's view? Shouldn't the political elites wishing to make their country great again take their responsibilities? Shouldn't the politicians lost in the mist of their "dangerous games" repent and save their conscience? The ancient Chinese poet Su Shi reminded us that: The reason I don't know the true face of Mount Lu / Is because I am standing on this very mountain." Only when we disperse the clouds and leap beyond the "four mountains" of narrowness, selfishness, hatred and arrogance, can we have a bright future with a community of shared destiny for mankind.

The author is the Chinese Ambassador to Cyprus.

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