'BRICS' concept originator and Chairman of the UK’s Royal Institute of International Affairs, Jim O'Neill, told Xinhua News Agency in a recent exclusive interview that China has largely contained the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and has begun resuming work and production—a positive development for the entire world.
O'Neill noted that the Chinese government is encouraging more people to return to normal work, and he believes this is the right decision. He said the impact of the pandemic on China’s economy will be short-term—a reasonable and realistic assessment.
'Another important point is the crucial role Chinese consumers will play in economic recovery. Consumption should be encouraged, and consumers must be given full confidence,' he said. 'We may well see “revenge spending” after the pandemic—and I hope such a consumption surge does materialize.'
On epidemic prevention and control, O'Neill observed that as long as China recognizes the emergence of a challenge—and grasps its scale—the speed at which it responds will be extremely fast, a trait fully demonstrated in its handling of this outbreak.
'Responding so rapidly to a challenge is difficult for Western countries,' he said, adding that Western nations—driven by capital-oriented models of societal development—may be unable or unwilling to adopt measures as decisive as those taken by China. However, he noted Italy is now adopting some approaches similar to China’s. 'Perhaps it is time to rethink.'
'Compared to four weeks ago, people’s mindset has clearly shifted—there is now far more discussion about how China can assist other countries, even providing global public health goods.'
O'Neill pointed out that the global economy had already begun slowing down in the second half of last year, showing only tentative signs of stabilization at the start of this year—just when the pandemic broke out, making the timing especially adverse.
He emphasized that, in terms of China’s relationship with the global economy, China’s current economic size is roughly five times what it was during the SARS outbreak—meaning China’s economic influence on the world today is vastly greater than before.
Regarding concerns that the pandemic might fuel anti-globalization sentiment, O'Neill stated that the rapid global spread of the novel coronavirus underscores how deeply interconnected all countries are—a reality no number of walls can alter. He also stressed that the entire world must thoroughly learn lessons from this pandemic.
Last updated: 2026-03-08