CORONAVIRUS | United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres yesterday spoke highly of China's effort to combat the new coronavirus outbreak.

Speaking to the press at the UN headquarters in New York, Guterres said, "I believe that China has mobilised enormous resources and capacities to respond and we have full recognition of their efforts."

He pointed out that the World Health Organisation has been in close communication and cooperation with China and other coronavirus affected countries. 

Guterres added that several UN organisations, including the United Nations Children's Fund and the International Organisation for Migration, are also actively battling against the epidemic.

He called for the world to unite in responding to the challenge posed by the coronavirus outbreak.

"My appeal is for a strong feeling of international solidarity, a strong feeling of support to China in these difficult circumstances," he said.

"To all the countries that might be impacted, there should be a strong concern to avoid the stigmatisation of the people that are innocent and victims of the situation."