US New COVID-19 Measures... China Criticizes as "Inappropriately Overreacting"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] On the 3rd, the Chinese government strongly criticized the U.S. government, which recently imposed a ban on the entry of foreigners who have visited China within the past two weeks to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia), saying it is "inappropriately overreacting."

According to Bloomberg News and others, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the U.S. during an online regular briefing on the same day, stating, "The United States has not provided substantial help to China so far." The ministry pointed out that the U.S. was the first in the world to withdraw consulates and diplomatic staff from Wuhan and banned Chinese nationals from entering the country, causing a state of panic.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the Trump administration for fostering fear rather than providing more assistance, saying, "The U.S.'s excessive confidence has turned into panic and overreaction." It also noted that the U.S. ban on entry of foreigners who visited China within two weeks could infringe on public authority and does not truly reduce the risk of virus spread, citing that 19 million people were infected and 8,200 died from the flu in the U.S. during 2019-2020.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that while most countries support the Chinese government's efforts in the war against the novel coronavirus, "at the same time, some countries including the U.S. are inappropriately overreacting, exactly contrary to the advice of the World Health Organization (WHO)."

Requesting rationality, calmness, and scientific judgment and response from related countries, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "China wants to disclose the situation transparently and responsibly and strengthen cooperation with the WHO and the international community," adding, "We have the confidence and capability to win this war as soon as possible."

Earlier, on the 31st of last month (local time), the U.S. government declared a public health emergency related to the novel coronavirus situation and announced a temporary ban on entry into the U.S. for foreign nationals who have visited China within the past two weeks.

On the 27th of last month, President Trump tweeted, "We are in very close communication with China regarding the virus," and stated that assistance would be provided if necessary. However, later, Robert O'Brien, U.S. National Security Advisor at the White House, said regarding this offer, "We have not heard back from China," and "We are still ready to cooperate."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.