Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

As China is dealing with the extensive coronavirus outbreak, we have been in regular contact with Chinese officials both here in Canberra and in Beijing and across our posts in China. I have previously acknowledged the cooperative approach of Chinese authorities, including its efforts to control the spread of the coronavirus, and work with international partners and organisations, including of course the World Health Organisation, to share information. Our assisted departure flight on 3 February, and our planning towards a second flight, is greatly assisted by the cooperation of Chinese authorities. I have spoken with my counterpart, Wang Yi, in turn, to continue to offer China our support. We were very pleased to be able to send a supply of personal protective equipment on our first flight to Wuhan, and in consultation with China we'll consider what more we can do in that regard as well.