BEIJING: China on Friday downplayed reports of a massive flu outbreak in the country, saying cases of respiratory diseases during winter are less severe this year than last year. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said it is safe for foreigners to travel to China. "Respiratory infections peak during winter," ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters in response to a question on the spread of influenza A and other respiratory diseases in the country. 

'It's safe to travel in China'

Mao Ning said, "Compared to last year, these diseases seem to be less severe and are spreading on a smaller scale." He said, "I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners. It is safe to travel in China."

Huge crowd of patients in hospitals 

Mao Ning also mentioned the guidelines issued by China's National Disease Control and Prevention Administration on the prevention and control of respiratory diseases in winter. For the past few days, there have been reports of large-scale flu outbreaks in China from abroad, especially India and Indonesia. People in China have been facing severe cold for the past few months. Videos circulating on social media show a huge crowd of patients in Chinese hospitals.