Spokesman says China is 'victim of Covid-19, not perpetrator'

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang gestures as he speaks during a daily briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Beijing, Wednesday, March 18, 2020. - AP

BEIJING (Xinhua): A Chinese spokesman on Monday (April 20) denounced some US politicians claiming to sue the Chinese side for causing the global spread of Covid-19, and asked them to stop attacking and blaming China for nothing.

"The virus is a common enemy to all mankind and may strike anytime, anywhere. Like other countries, China is also a victim, not a perpetrator, even less an accomplice of Covid-19," Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a press briefing.

Geng said China has taken the most comprehensive, rigorous and thorough measures to contain Covid-19 in an open, transparent and responsible spirit.

"China has made tremendous sacrifices, accumulated valuable experience, and made significant contributions to the global response. The international community bears witness to and applauds China's efforts and progress," he said.

In the face of major public health crises and infectious diseases, the international community should stand in solidarity and work together, in stead of resorting to mutual accusation or demanding retribution and accountability, he said.

"The H1N1 flu broke out in the United States and spread to more than 214 countries and regions in 2009, resulting in nearly 200,000 deaths. Has anyone asked the US side to compensate?" Geng asked.

"In the 1980s, AIDS was first discovered in the United States and spread to the world. Has anyone sought for the United States to take responsibility for this?" he continued.

The spokesman also mentioned the financial turmoil that occurred in the United States in 2008 and eventually evolved into a global financial crisis.

"Has anyone asked the US side to bear consequences?" Geng asked.

"The US must understand that their enemy is the virus, not China," he said.

"Attacking and discrediting other countries will not save the time and lives lost."

"We hope that those on the US side will respect facts, science, and international consensus, stop attacking and blaming China for nothing, stop making irresponsible remarks, and focus instead on fighting the epidemic at home and promoting international cooperation," he added.- Xinhua