Coronavirus Adds Fuel to the US-China Relations' Flames

Nawal Sayed

Amidst spread of the new coronavirus infections across the world, the US State Department summoned the Chinese ambassador to the United States on Friday to protest against statements attributed to a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, saying that the US military may have transmitted the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) to the Chinese city of Wuhan.

This escalation comes amidst growing tensions between the two superpowers due to the epidemic.

A State Department official said David Stilwell, the chief diplomat for East Asia in the ministry, handed Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai a very “"stern representation” including the facts.

He added that the Chinese ambassador was "very defensive", according to Reuters.

"The publication of conspiracy theories is dangerous and absurd. We wanted the (Chinese) government to know that we will not tolerate it for the benefit of the Chinese people and the world," said the official, who asked for anonymity.

Tensions between the United States and China escalated after Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Li Jian wrote on Twitter on Thursday, saying in English, "When does the disease (coronavirus) end in the United States? How many people are infected? What are the names of hospitals (where the injured are treated)?" It is possible that the US military brought the epidemic to Wuhan. Be transparent! Let me know! The United States owes us an explanation. ”

When reporters asked US President Donald Trump on the matter, Friday, he stressed that the first stage of an important trade agreement between his country and China will not be affected by these rumors.

"They know the source (of the virus). We all know the source of it," he said.

The virus, also called COVID-19, has infected 138,000 people worldwide and killed more than 5,000.

The coronavirus, which emerged in China in December, has spread around the world, pummeling financial markets, halting industry, bringing some flights to a standstill, closing schools and forcing the postponement of sports events and concerts.