Trump Withdraws from 'Chinese Virus' Expression... China Engages in Twitter Diplomacy

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] Donald Trump, the U.S. president who used to refer to COVID-19 as the 'China Virus,' is suddenly showing signs of stepping back from the center of controversy by urging the protection of Asian Americans. Chinese diplomats are actively countering the racially discriminatory expressions previously shown by the U.S. through Twitter, a platform frequently used by President Trump.

On the 24th, Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) noted that President Trump no longer used the term 'China Virus' when speaking about COVID-19.

On the 23rd (local time), President Trump emphasized on Twitter and during a White House press briefing, "It is very important that we fully protect our Asian American community in the United States and around the world," adding, "The spread of the virus is in no way their fault. They are working closely with us to eliminate the virus. We will win together!"

During the White House press briefing, questions arose about President Trump no longer using the term 'China Virus,' which he had repeatedly used to blame China for the spread of COVID-19. In response, President Trump said, "It could be offensive language to them," and added, "People are blaming China, but I will not let that go unchecked."

This has been interpreted as an attempt by President Trump to manage the situation after being criticized for frequently using the term 'China Virus,' which fueled hatred against Asians. Previously, President Trump had also received warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO) not to use the term 'China Virus,' which could incite racial discrimination.

Meanwhile, Chinese diplomats are putting effort into rebutting on Twitter, concerned that the frequent use of the term 'China Virus' by President Trump might solidify the narrative blaming China for COVID-19.

SCMP reported that at least 115 Chinese diplomats have joined the Twitter war related to COVID-19, highlighting Hua Chunying and Zhao Lijian, spokespersons for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as representative examples.

When the U.S. accused China of not providing timely information about COVID-19, spokesperson Hua criticized on Twitter, "China has been providing information about the coronavirus situation and response to the U.S. since January 3. Now China is being blamed for delaying (information)?" Spokesperson Zhao Lijian also attracted attention by posting, targeting the U.S. attempt to blame China for COVID-19, "The U.S. military may have brought the novel coronavirus to Wuhan."

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