The Chinese government attaches great importance to the epidemic of hand-foot-mouth disease and has taken actions to prevent its spread, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said Tuesday.

Qin made the remarks at a regular press conference, in response to concerns that the disease could spread to the area along the China-Russia border.

Qin said China was taking a highly responsible attitude and would do its best to prevent the disease from spreading. China and Russia have a mechanism and channels for communication and technical cooperation, both through bilateral and multilateral channels and the framework of the World Health Organization.

He said that China would communicate with Russia when it is necessary and enhance cooperation to cope with this disease.

(Xinhua News Agency May 7, 2008)