Donald Trump offered coronavirus support by Xi Jinping as US overtakes China in cases

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Jacob Jarvis27 March 2020

China's president has offered Donald Trump support in tackling the coronavirus as the United States confirmed it now has more cases than any other nation.

President Xi Jinping told his US counterpart his conuntry would be prepared to assist America in its fight, describing cooperation as the only option, state media reported.

The two leaders spoke over telephone, following which Mr Trump tweeted: "Just finished a very good conversation with President Xi of China.

"Discussed in great detail the CoronaVirus that is ravaging large parts of our Planet. China has been through much & has developed a strong understanding of the Virus.

"We are working closely together. Much respect!"

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According to China's state media, President Xi said his nation wants to continue sharing information and its experiences with the US.

During the call, he defended the accuracy of his nation's Covid-19 figures, which Mr Trump had previously questioned.

Xinhua news agency said President Xi told Mr Trump his nation had shared advice on "prevention, containment and treatment without reservation, and providing as much support and assistance as it can for countries in need".

"China will continue to do so, and work with the international community to prevail over the pandemic," he said, according to the reports.

It comes after the US passed China with more than 85,000 cases, with around 1,300 patients having died so far, while Italy also exceeded 80,000.

The US is set to deliver an unprecedented $2.2 billion (£1.8 billion) support bill to support business, individuals and the healthcare system as people battle the outbreak.

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