Reuters | Beijing on Monday accused the United States of spreading fear over a
coronavirus outbreak by pulling nationals out and restricting travel
instead of offering significant aid.
The United States was the first nation to begin evacuations, issued a
travel warning against going to China, and from Sunday barred entry to
foreigners recently in China.
Washington has “unceasingly manufactured and spread panic”, Chinese
foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters, noting that
the World Health Organization (WHO) had advised against trade and travel
curbs.
“It is precisely developed countries like the United States with strong
epidemic prevention capabilities and facilities that have taken the lead
in imposing excessive restrictions contrary to WHO recommendations,”
she added, saying countries should make reasonable, calm and
science-based judgements.
In China, 361 people have died with more than 17,000 infected from
the virus, which originated in the central city of Wuhan. At least
another 171 cases have been reported in more than two dozen other
countries and regions, from the United States to Japan.
Conducting
her daily news briefing via the WeChat app rather than in person, Hua
also chided the United States for lack of help. “So far, the U.S.
government has yet to provide any substantial assistance to China,” she
said.
