China's government is "very willing" to cooperate with Italy's authorities to limit the impact of a coronavirus outbreak that has killed 17 people and infected over 630, the Chinese embassy said on Thursday.
"The government of China is committing to tackling the coronavirus epidemic head on in transparent and responsible way," said Zhang Aishan, head of the Chinese embassy's consular section.
The embassy "is very willing to work with Rome's Fiumicino Airport authorities and with the Italian health ministry to combat this outbreak," Zhang said.
"China is exchanging health information with many countries. Naturally, Italy is among these countries, Zhang added.
Countries are following the indications of the United Nations World Health Organisation in "this continuously evolving situation," Zhang stated.
Zhang made the remarks at the 'Opportunities and Prospects for Tourism between Italy and China in 2020' conference in Rome.
As authorities around the world work to prevent a global pandemic, health officials fear the coronavirus transmission rate could soar as hundreds of millions of Chinese travel during week-long holidays for the Lunar New Year, beginning on Saturday.
There is currently no vaccine for the previously unknown virus strain, which can spread through respiratory transmission. Symptoms include fever, difficulty breathing and a cough.
