Trump Blames China for COVID-19... Considering Retaliatory Measures Against China

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The Washington Post (WP) reported on the 30th (local time) that the United States is considering retaliatory measures against China in response to the responsibility for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) crisis.

WP cited a senior official from the Trump administration, stating that they have begun exploring ways to punish China or demand financial compensation for its responsibility in handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

U.S. President Donald Trump has recently expressed anger to his aides over China's failure to provide accurate information about the virus and has been discussing the implementation of dramatic measures.

However, WP pointed out that such measures would provoke retaliation from China and further worsen the already heightened tensions between the two countries.

Among the specific retaliatory measures discussed is the possibility of stripping China of its "sovereign immunity." Sovereign immunity is an international law principle that "a sovereign state cannot be sued in the courts of another country." Removing this immunity would open the door for the U.S. government or victims to file damage claims against China.

Additionally, some administration officials have reportedly discussed invalidating part of China's debt obligations, WP reported.

While administration officials expressed that discussions on these retaliatory measures against China are still in the early stages and showed very cautious reactions, some officials have been trying to dissuade President Trump by pointing out that China is sending related supplies to support the U.S. response to COVID-19.

A senior official from the Trump administration told WP, "Now is not the right time. The right time will come."

Within the Trump administration, there has been a division between aides advocating caution and those strongly pushing for retaliation against China, but recently the mood has shifted toward retaliatory measures, WP reported.

In particular, some political aides have persuaded President Trump by arguing that the China punishment card would also be politically beneficial.

According to internal polling results reported to President Trump targeting battleground states, 51% of voters attributed the greatest responsibility for the COVID-19 outbreak to China. Only 24% blamed President Trump, which was significantly lower.

Since China is also expected to retaliate against U.S. measures, WP reported that President Trump's attempt to punish China is unlikely to mean more than a political drama that risks endangering the U.S. economy and the lives of the American people.

Meanwhile, following the suspension of funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) due to alleged China bias, President Trump, who has recently been emphasizing China's responsibility, has made tough remarks against China, saying, "China will do anything to make me lose this election."

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