BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese people's sense of patriotism has been fully displayed in the joint battle against the novel coronavirus outbreak, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Thursday.

Spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a press briefing online that sacrificing one's small family for the big family and putting the country before oneself has always been a spiritual hallmark of the Chinese nation and a strong bond uniting all Chinese people.

"Since the onset of this epidemic, the Chinese government, putting people's health first, has done its utmost to make sure every patient receives timely treatment," she said. "At the same time, we have seen so many touching stories of people sacrificing themselves for the greater good."

Noting the snowfalls over the past two days, Hua said as winter retreats and spring advances, everything will come back to life. "The Chinese people, fighting united as one, will definitely secure the final victory in the battle."