Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi concedes challenge of coronavirus and slams ‘overreaction’ by other countries
- ‘I can’t see any other country that can do this,’ says top diplomat, touting Beijing’s efforts to get epidemic under control
- Wang warns US against virus-response measures that could hamper trade, travel and tourism, citing problems for phase one trade deal
A top Chinese official acknowledged on Friday that coronavirus is a deep challenge to the country, but defended Beijing’s management of the epidemic while lashing out at the “overreaction” of other countries.
In a wide-ranging interview, State Councillor Wang Yi, who also serves as China’s foreign minister, urged the United States not to take unnecessary virus-response measures that could hamper trade, travel and tourism.
The Chinese mainland has reported more than 63,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus infection, with over 1,300 fatalities.
The United States and other nations have taken drastic measures to curb the virus’ spread since January. Some countries have halted entry to foreign nationals. Commercial flights have been curtailed, and many nations have sent charter flights to repatriate citizens from Wuhan, the Chinese city at the centre of the outbreak.
The United States also warned Americans not to travel to China, angering Beijing just as it started to mend tattered trade ties with Washington.
Wang said China has taken the most rigorous and decisive measures to fight against the epidemic, with many measures going beyond international health regulations and WHO recommendations.