Spinning out of control in West Africa since March, Ebola, one of the most lethal viruses known to humankind, is shaking the whole world. As of October 14, more than 9,200 suspected cases have been reported, which resulted in the deaths of 4,555. The number of casualties marks the largest outbreak of the disease in history.

Joint efforts to fight the epidemic are underway in the international community, and China has responded to the endeavor with generosity.

So far, China has offered 234 million yuan ($38.2 million) worth of medical supplies and humanitarian aid to the worst-affected regions. More than 200 medical experts have been deployed on the ground.

At the just-concluded Asia-Europe Meeting Summit in Italy, Premier Li Keqiang said China would provide more aid worth 100 million yuan and send medical teams to train 10,000 local nursing staff.

China's immediate commitment and proactive measures are welcomed in the international community. The World Health Organization called it "a huge boost, morally and operationally."

But as usual, China's growing presence in public goods' provision is both eagerly demanded and bitterly suspected. Questions such as whether China harbors ulterior motives in the anti-Ebola fight are raised, which speculate that its ostensible commitment serves as part of China's soft power offensive to advance its Africa strategy.

What's more, there is also skepticism about China's capability to offer qualified aid to the affected countries. Its initial mistakes in dealing with SARS in 2003 are underlined, so its ongoing medical efforts to develop vaccines and cures for Ebola are called into question as pursuing quick wins.

Skeptical voices against China's undertakings for the public goods might not easily die down no matter how hard China shows its commitment in the international arena. It needs time and solid results to prove China's intentions.

China is temporarily caught in a dilemma. On the one hand, it is called on to assume more responsibilities in the international community due to its rapid rise, but on the other hand, it is feared that public goods provided by China will change or even overturn the obsolete pattern of benefit distribution. Being needed and being suspected at the same time will probably be a normal state China has to face.

As if treading on eggshells, China needs delicate diplomacy to strike a balance between the pressure of international public discourse and the pursuit of real effects in public goods' provision. It certainly will be a great challenge.