The Chinese government urges citizens to stock up on basic commodities, in an official statement, and calls on local authorities to monitor price stabilization, and ensure the availability of necessary foodstuffs in the markets.

The statement comes two days after the National Health Committee announced the outbreak of Corona in 14 provinces, with a global wave of concern that coincided with the news.

China topped social networking sites and search engines in most countries, and followers wondered about Chinese measures and the type of risks expected.

Some speculated, a new wave of Corona, and others suggested that Beijing was ready to enter a war, and international newspapers and media reported the interpretations of analysts and experts, some of whom explained China’s position with an expected military operation, in light of the escalating tension between it and its neighbors Taiwan and India.

Some also called for lowering levels of anxiety, suggesting that the matter may not go beyond routine preparations for a frost wave with the onset of winter.