The Chinese government has suggested that President Donald Trump’s administration might be hiding something about its response to the coronavirus crisis, as both Washington, D.C. and Beijing trade accusations and disinformation while the pandemic continues to spread.
The Chinese foreign ministry in a tweet on Monday suggested that there were growing doubts over the United State government’s handling of the coronavirus.
“When did the first infection occur in the US?” the foreign ministry asked. “Is the US government hiding something? Why they opt to blame others? American people and the international community need an answer from the US government.”
The foreign ministry did not elaborate on the assertions but contacts were made to the State Department to request comment on the accusations.
The Chinese Communist Party has attempted to dodge blame for the pandemic which originated in the central Chinese city of Wuhan partially by accusing Western nations, most prominently the United States, of mishandling its spread.
Western nations have accused China of a lack of transparency over coronavirus, suggesting the CCP concealed early warning signs of the outbreak and under reported its number of infections and deaths.
Beijing has rejected such accusations, framing itself as a victim of conspiracy theories and smears. A European Union report published last week said China among other actors was spreading false information about the pandemic, prompting an angry response from the foreign ministry.
The spokesperson, Mr Geng Shuang said on Monday that China is opposed to the creation and spreading of falsehood by anyone or any organization. China is a victim of disinformation, not an initiator.
Meanwhile, President Trump and key allies including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have been especially vocal in attacking China. Both have even suggested that the virus may have escaped from a research laboratory in Wuhan, a possibility now being considered by U.S. intelligence agencies.
