China-Japan Foreign Ministers' Phone Call: "Criticism of China Is Not Constructive"

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] As the United States strongly raises the issue of China's responsibility for the spread of COVID-19, China is making efforts to garner support from neighboring countries.

According to the People's Daily on the 22nd, Wang Yi, China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister in charge of diplomacy, strongly denied China's responsibility for the spread of COVID-19 during a phone call with Motegi Toshimitsu, Japan's Foreign Minister and a U.S. ally, the previous day.

Minister Wang said, "China and Japan, as neighboring countries, have actively supported each other in the fight against COVID-19," adding, "From the beginning, China has been open, transparent, and responsible, promptly notifying the World Health Organization (WHO) and various countries about COVID-19 information. We shared the virus's genetic sequence and generously introduced China's experience."

He further stated, "Some baseless accusations and insults against China are not constructive," emphasizing, "The 'political virus' that fosters division and resentment is more destructive than the COVID-19 virus itself, so all countries must be very cautious." This is interpreted as a call aimed at the United States not to politicize the COVID-19 situation.

In response, Foreign Minister Motegi said, "The most urgent task for the international community is to combat the epidemic," and added, "China and Japan, as friendly neighbors, should strengthen cooperation in COVID-19 prevention and control."

On the same day, State Councilor Wang also held a phone call with Mevl?t ?avu?o?lu, Turkey's Foreign Minister, emphasizing that "what is needed to combat the epidemic is cooperation and trust."

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