China pledges to overcome Coronavirus

Chinese President Xi Jinping said today that China is confident of defeating the Corona virus, which Xi described as a "devil" that has killed 106 people, but international warning is increasing as the virus spreads around the world.

The US embassy in Beijing said a chartered plane would carry its consular staff on Wednesday, and the European Commission said it would help fund two planes to bring European Union citizens home, with 250 French citizens leaving on the first flight.

A World Health Organization spokesman said WHO President Tidros Adhanom Gebresus and Shi met in Beijing to discuss how to protect Chinese and foreigners in areas affected by the virus and possible alternatives to evacuation.