Xi Jinping calls on Trump to improve US-China relations amid Covid-19 crisis
(The Guardian China)

Phonecall between leaders came as China prepares to seal itself off from the world to stem `imported´ coronavirus casesCoronavirus - latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageChinese president Xi Jinping has called on Donald Trump to take `substantive actions` to improve relations between the two countries, as China prepared to shut its borders to foreign arrivals amid fears of infections coming from abroad.On Friday, Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping held a phone call about the coronavirus outbreak in an attempt to repair strained relations, following weeks of traded barbs over the virus. According to state media, Xi told Trump in a phone call on Friday that US-China relations had reached an `important juncture`.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! Related: Do not relax Covid-19 measures in Wuhan too soon, scientists warn Related: US surpasses China for highest number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the world Australia announced it would quarantine all citizens returning home from overseas for two weeks and will deploy armed forces to ensure people already subjected to self-isolation measures are complying.Global job losses from the coronavirus crisis could far exceed the 25 million estimated just days ago, UN officials said on Thursday, as US jobless claims surged to record levels.British people took to their doorsteps and balconies to clap and bang pots and pans in honours of NHS workers. It took place on a day that saw the highest number of deaths from coronavirus - 115 - in the UK.Jair Bolsonaro, the president of Brazil, said his citizens were immune from the virus and `never catch anything`.South Africa came under a nationwide military-patrolled lockdown on Friday, joining other African countries imposin ...