China Tuesday thanked the international community for supporting and aiding its fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

In recent days more countries and international organizations have offered help and support, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said at a press conference.

She said the foreign ministers of many nations and heads of international organizations have phoned Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, expressing sympathy over the SARS outbreak in China and their support for the country's fight against the epidemic.

"China is very grateful for the international community's support and help," she said.

Zhang said SARS is a global problem, which can be contained only through international cooperation.

"China attaches great importance to effective cooperation with other countries in this area," she said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 13, 2003)