Travel or trade restrictions on China over the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia "would add to panic and disrupt the containment efforts," Chinese Ambassador to the European Union Zhang Ming said on Tuesday, noting that the World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend such restrictions. 

"I wish to emphasize that the only thing to fear is fear itself, not the virus," the ambassador said at a press conference in Brussels. 

"Unfortunately, some developed countries, which have advanced capabilities, have taken the lead in adopting excessive restrictions on China, to the contrary of WHO recommendations," Zhang said, calling for an "objective and cool-headed way" in viewing the epidemic and China's response. 

Relevant countries should "act in accordance with WHO's recommendations and avoid unnecessary disruptions on international travels and free trade," he stressed. 

The outbreak's impact on the world economy "largely depends on" how the world responds to it, he told reporters.

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China's measures to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus have been transparent and appropriate, Zhang said, adding that the National Health Commission sent experts to Wuhan once it was notified about the new illness, and informed the public the next day. 

The commission also swiftly shared the gene sequence of the virus with the World Health Organization once it was known, he said. 

"It is unfair to conclude China is not transparent due to lack of knowledge at a very early stage," said Zhang.

China now holds daily briefings on the COVID-19, at both central and local government levels and has developed a better understanding of the cases, so the figures are more accurate, he added.

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When addressing concerns on whether China's response to the virus was appropriate, the ambassador said China had been preparing for the worst with the new virus.

While some Europeans were concerned that the lockdown of Wuhan may violate human rights, Zhang said the measures were difficult, but science-based, aiming to protect the most fundamental human right, the right to live. 

"Like when a doctor performs surgery on a patient, nobody accuses the doctor of restricting patients' freedom and human rights," he said.

The response to the novel coronavirus, according to the ambassador, will be improved as more is known about it.

The ambassador also addressed COVID-19's impact on the Chinese economy. He said the impact was short-term and limited, and would not affect the long-term development. The huge market demand from 1.4 billion consumers have not changed, neither has China's commitment to reform and opening-up, he said.

"There's no need for global investors to worry too much," the ambassador added.