WUHAN - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday vowed to resolutely fight for a victory in the war against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) during his inspection in the outbreak epicenter Wuhan, central China's Hubei province.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, called for firm, solid and meticulous prevention and control efforts to defend Hubei and Wuhan.

Xi said after hard work, the situation in Hubei and Wuhan has shown positive changes with important progress, but the prevention and control task remains arduous.

Xi stressed continuing to take epidemic prevention and control as a task of paramount importance.

Xi also said the positive trend in preventing and controlling the COVID-19 could not have been won without the sacrifice, devotion, perseverance and hard efforts of the people of Wuhan.

With their concrete actions, Wuhan people have demonstrated the strength and spirit of China, as well as the Chinese people's love for the family and the nation, which enables them to stick together through thick and thin, Xi said.