COVID-19 cases are trending downward in China, but other countries now have a major battle on their hands.

When the outbreak began in China, international aid poured in from around the world. Medical supplies were flown in daily from outreach groups and foreign governments alike.

So far, 62 countries and seven international communities have donated medical supplies and protective gear to China.

"We relied primarily on our own efforts to respond to the outbreak, and we are grateful to the international community for its sincere assistance. We always said that the outbreak would be temporary, but friendship and cooperation are long-lasting. The sympathy and support of the international community will live on in Chinese people's hearts and minds," said Ma Zhaoxu, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs during a news conference on March 5.

Now China is returning the favor.

Officials say the nation's discovery of the genetic sequence, which it shared with the world at an early stage of the outbreak, will help countries like Italy and Iran in their fights against the novel coronavirus.

China will continue this openness and transparency in sharing information and experiences.

"China is working actively with other countries in epidemic control, and will continue to cooperate in areas including diagnostics, therapeutics, drugs and vaccine development. We will never forget the help given by international communities, and we will provide help to countries in need to the best of our ability," said Ma.

Ma also said the faith of countries in fighting the virus is intertwined.

This war against COVID-19 needs a lot of international cooperation, which is in full force around the clock, and around the world.