Zhong Nanshan is a virologist in China who discovered SARS in 2003. He is now leading the national health commission team in the study of the new coronavirus outbreak, also known as Covid-19.

Covid-19 emerged in Wuhan late December last year and there were people who warned the local authorities about it back then. But the eight of them were arrested for spreading misinformation.

One of those whistleblowers was Li Wenliang, a 34-year-old doctor who eventually contracted the virus himself and sadly succumbed on Feb. 7.

His passing has saddened many people in China and around the globe, including Zhong who teared up during an interview when he spoke about the late Li.

Hailing whistleblower doctor Li Wenliang as a hero

Speaking to Reuters, 84-year-old Zhong said with teary eyes that the Chinese hail Li as the hero of China.

Zhong added that he is proud of Li for having the courage to speak the truth.

He said that the local government was to blame for mishandling the virus outbreak.

He shared that people in Wuhan held simple mourning memorials for Li the day after he passed away.

One example of that was by turning on the torch light on their phones and holding it up in the air for a short while.

Zhong said that the people were not too caught up by Li's death but were expressing their admiration towards him.

"They support Dr. Li as a hero, including me," he added.

"This is [a] Chinese doctor. I supposed a majority of Chinese doctors [are] like him," he said.

The emotional response from Zhong was a departure from his usual professional and stoic front.

Chinese netizens were moved by his comment on Li.

You can watch his response in this clip:

Top photo collage via SCMP video screenshot and Weibo